Stone Ward, an Arkansas-based full-service advertising firm, is investing in the future of high-school students who have a passion for advertising and graphic design in a unique partnership with the Little Rock West High School of Innovation (LRWHSI). Over the past school year, students enrolled in an inaugural program showcased their creativity and learned valuable skills through resources provided by Stone Ward, including career mentorship, a professionally-designed curriculum and a new annual scholarship.

The creative team at Stone Ward donated 162 hours to the program by hosting a variety of workshops and lectures throughout the school year. Embedded into existing lesson plans, the graphic design curriculum developed by the advertising firm provided an opportunity for participating seniors to complete course credit while also receiving certification for additional learning.

“Stone Ward concepted this forward-looking program to support and equip young creatives who have their eye on a career in graphic design and advertising,” said Millie Ward, president and co-founder of Stone Ward. “These students are the future workforce for our industry, and we’re committed to investing our agency’s time, talents, and resources to encourage their success. We’re excited to come alongside these talented students in developing their skills and watch this program grow.”

Students conveyed their graphic design skills through a creative poster competition, and after successful completion of the course and project, were eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship via Stone Ward’s Building Good Fund through Arkansas Community Foundation. The scholarship was created to help offset costs related to materials and necessities required for pursuing higher education. For the 2022-2023 school year, Ayat Alkhatib was awarded the first Stone Ward Scholarship and is planning on pursuing a minor in graphic design at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the fall.

“The Little Rock West High School of Innovation is incredibly proud of the students who participated in this course as well as Ayat who went above and beyond this year,” said Stacy Owens, program teacher for LRWHSI. “Stone Ward created a curriculum that helped these students gain valuable skills which will benefit them in all of their future endeavors. We are looking forward to continuing our work with Stone Ward and awarding this scholarship every year.”

Learn more about Stone Ward by visiting stoneward.com.

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About Stone Ward

Stone Ward is a full-service advertising agency with offices in Little Rock and Chicago. Founded with a focus on helping good companies succeed and on making a positive and meaningful difference in the communities it serves, Stone Ward is a company of partners who share a passion for creativity and a commitment to “Building Good.” Over the last 38 years, the agency has integrated and evolved its capabilities in research and strategy; advertising and design; media services; public relations and employee engagement; digital development and social communications; moving picture production through its 360 Filmworks; and print production. To learn more, visit stoneward.com.

About Little Rock West High School of Innovation

LR West High School of Innovation was founded in 2019 and has grown to facilitate innovative learning for nearly 350 students. The school was officially designated as an Arkansas School of Innovation in July 2022 to provide each student with personalized educational choices and experiences, graduating its first class in 2023. Students and families can decide whether to attend in-person or virtually, as well as project-based learning experiences across the curriculum. The current student population comprises 50% African American, 35% Caucasian, and 15% other, with 14 different languages spoken. Celebrating this diversity, and personalizing educational experiences for all, LRWHSI has proven successful as our students have shown growth across English, reading, math, and science on the ACT Aspire assessments for each of the last two years.