Published June 24, 2026
Dumas, AR — June
For three weeks this June, something remarkable unfolded at 112 South Main Street in Dumas. A group of determined young people arrived each morning, not just as students, but as emerging leaders — ready to work, learn, and discover their potential. Through the Delta Plus Summer Program, organized and facilitated by Destination Transformation and hosted by the Youth Improvement Club, participants experienced a curriculum unlike anything a traditional classroom could offer.
From orientation on May 28 through a final debrief on June 18, the program challenged participants at every turn. Day one set the tone: students completed a Self-Awareness Assessment exploring their personal preferences, strengths, and areas for growth — a foundation that would anchor everything that followed.
Bridging Generations, Building Connections
One of the program's most powerful threads was its focus on community and cross- generational understanding. Students dove deep into research on five distinct generations — the Silent Generation, Baby Boo-mers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gener-ation Z — exploring how values, experiences, and communication styles differ and connect across time.
That research did not stay in the classroom. Armed with data collection skills honed through role-play exercises and hands-on preparation, participants took to the streets and senior living facilities to put their learning into action. In a memorable PhotoVision walkthrough of Main Street in Dumas, students documented their community through their own eyes. They then visited the Oasis Assisted Living Facility, where they sat down with seniors and listened — truly listened — to stories and perspectives from another generation.
In total, participants conducted more than fifty (50) surveys with individuals spanning every generation, gathering community voices in a way that gave real weight and purpose to their data collection training.
A Curriculum Built for Real Life
The three-week curriculum, led by program director Dorotha Love Hall, alongside facilitators Onie Norman, Floretta Scott, Tira Jones, Capri Rice, Patricia Mays, Don Livingston, Sharee Jackson, and Tonesha Randle, was designed to be as broad as it was deep. Highlights included:
Financial Literacy — Initially Ms. Jones and team introduced participants to the importance of saving money and discussed setting up a checking and savings account. In Financial Literacy II Ms. Randle led students through an eye-opening session on the critical importance of credit scores in building a sound economic foundation. She introduced the three major credit bureaus and explained the significance of the highest possible credit score. Students were then challenged to research an app that illustrated the real-world difference between having an excellent credit score versus a poor one — driving home the meaningful savings and financial advantages that come with strong credit. It was a lesson designed not just to inform, but to inspire lifelong fiscal responsibility.
Career Explorations — helping participants envision pathways forward
Resume Writing and Interview Practice — practical preparation for the workforce
Mental Health in Youth — an honest conversation about well-being
Time Management and Goal Setting — skills for turning ambition into achievement skills, by managing time wisely and setting realistic and achievable goals
Black History Documentaries — sparking reflection, pride, and broader historical awareness through student-selected films
Get Loud (VOTE)! an energizing session led by Dr. Love Hall encouraging students to get involved and use their voices to make a difference in their community
Nonprofit Research — participants identified organizations across Arkansas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Phillips counties, building awareness of the broader support network in the Delta.
The curriculum also afforded participants to create flyers, databases and Excel spreadsheets
Participants also completed First Aid and CPR training and will earn their official certifications in July — a life skill that will stay with them forever.
The Power of Data — In Their Own Words
Participants were unanimous in identifying the data collection experience as one of the most meaningful of the entire program. Through learning about distinct types of data, practicing role-play scenarios, and ultimately going out into the community to conduct real surveys, students discovered skills they did not know they had — and confidence levels, they had no idea they could attain in such an abbreviated period.
Most participants highlighted that the full arc of the data collection process — going out and conducting interviews, organizing responses, and analyzing findings — was enlightened in ways that went far beyond the classroom. Their own words say it best:
“Surveying people gave me a chance to see how they — the people — see Dumas.”
“All the different experiences helped me with communication. The Photo Vision walk of Main Street made me feel good to report my thoughts about the strengths, dreams, and challenges of my city.”
“Challenge, Dream, and Strength make me think of what the City could be. I really enjoyed the surveys — I loved talking to different people.”
For many, the experience of stepping outside, meeting strangers across generations, asking meaningful questions, and turning those answers into data was nothing short of transformative. It gave students not just a skill set, but a sense of purpose — the understanding that their community's story is worth telling, and that they can tell it.
Showing Up for Civic Life
Perhaps the most powerful moments of the program came when participants stepped into the civic arena. Students attended both a Dumas Chamber of Commerce meeting and a Dumas City Council meeting, witnessing firsthand how community decisions are made and how residents can shape the places they call home.
In exit interviews and individual summaries, the impact was unmistakable. Every participant described an enhanced awareness of civic processes and expressed a genuine desire to be more involved in community service. One recurring theme stood out above all: these young people left with a clear, shared goal — to help make Dumas a thriving community.
“I Know I Can Speak Up Now”
Beyond skills and certifications, the program's deepest transformation was personal. Exit interviews revealed that participants thoroughly enjoyed developing their data collection skills and stepping into roles they had never imagined for themselves. Most powerfully, every student reported a significant increase in self-confidence — particularly in their ability to speak up for what matters to them and to their community.
That confidence, earned through weeks of research, community engagement, and honest self-reflection, is perhaps the program's greatest gift.
Ambassadors for the Future
The Delta Plus Summer Program may have officially ended on June 18, but its impact is far from over. All participants will now serve as Ambassadors for Destination Transformation, and the Youth Improvement Club, carrying the organization's mission of community revitalization forward in their daily lives and future endeavors.
Destination Transformation, which organized and facilitated this three-week experience, extends its deepest gratitude to the Youth Improvement Club for serving as the program's site and to every community partner, mentor, and guest facilitator who invested in these young people.
To the participants: Dumas is watching — and Dumas is proud. Your community needs your voice, your energy, and your vision. You have already proven you are ready. Don’t Stop!
A Community That Shows Up
The success of the Delta Plus Summer Program was not built by its participants alone — it was carried out by an entire community that chose to show up.
Destination Transformation, the Youth Improvement Club, and the Southeast Arkansas Community Action Coalition extend their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to every individual who took the time to participate in the community surveys. Whether you paused on Main Street, welcomed students into the Oasis Assisted Living Facility, or opened your door to a young person with a clipboard and a question, your voice mattered — and it was heard, loud and clear.
Your willingness to share your thoughts, dreams, challenges, and hopes for Dumas gave these young people something no textbook could provide real perspective, real connection, and a real reason to care about the future of their community. You did not just answer questions — you helped shape the next generation of community leaders.
On behalf of every student who walked away inspired, thank you. Dumas is stronger because of you.
For more information about Destination Transformation and the Delta Plus Summer Program, contact Dr. Dorotha Love Hall – 870-308-2283 - doveh52@destintransform.org
