Sedona AZ (August 23, 2016) – Today’s students want more use of technology in educational programs, and improved State funding for education. These subjects dominated the discussions of more than 70 high school students at the Future Leaders Forum on August 18. The Forum was conducted by Arizona Town Hall and the Verde Valley Forum for Public Affairs, and was held at the Clarkdale campus of Yavapai College.
Modern technology is important to the students. Online classes allow greater opportunities to reach students who may not otherwise be able to pursue education. However, in-class time is also important. Some ideas included hybrid offerings — part online plus some classroom time. Use of social media was also mentioned.
The students at this Forum were selected to represent all high schools in the Verde Valley and were generally among the brightest. However, some said that before this Forum they had not even considered going on to college, but this Forum opened their eyes to better options. Some were primarily interested in advanced vocational training.
The students appreciated this opportunity to meet others and have their voices heard regarding subjects of interest to the community. They were given background detail on the history of the democratic process, and the importance of civic engagement to maintain effective government. The relationship between education and sustainable economic development was emphasized.
This Future Leaders Forum was a prelude to the Sept. 9-10 Forum on education, being produced by the Verde Valley Forum for Public Affairs. Applications for this Forum are being accepted until August 31, and may be made online at www.vvforum.org. Its topic will be “The Role of Post-Secondary Education in the Future of the Verde Valley Region.” Its participants will include community leaders, educators, business people and other residents from all Verde Valley communities. Some of these Future Leaders students will also be invited to participate. More information on the VVFPA, its activities and its Sept. 9-10 Forum can be found on the same website.