About
R.E.A.L. Scholars Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Marianna, Arkansas dedicated to provide educational services
and youth empowerment - life lesson workshops for 7th - 12th grade scholars. R.E.A.L. Scholars Program was founded by
Talethe Collins, a Marianna native on February 27, 2019.
R.E.A.L. is an acronym that stands for Recognize Education and Life Lessons.
​
R.E.A.L. Scholars is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the state of Arkansas and has been classified as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code.
The organization is exempt from federal taxes; EIN 84-2367830.
Talethe Collins shared this vision back in 2012 after graduating Lee Senior High School whereas she aspired to give back to her hometown of Marianna due to the lack of educational resources and youth empowerment programs. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University of Jonesboro and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also earned a Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
"With R.E.A.L. Scholars, I can be of support to the many youth that are interested in preparation for college and hungry for learning essential life-skills. If I can help change one life, there is no limit to the ripple effect that it will bring to others in the Marianna Community. - Talethe Collins, R.E.A.L. Scholars Founder & Executive Director
​
R.E.A.L. Scholars launched their first R.E.A.L. Workshop and Scholarship Program on March 15, 2019. To date, our program has provided $9,000 Scholarships to (8) Scholarship Recipients. The R.E.A.L. Scholars Program is delighted to be of service to the city that we call "Home" in Marianna, Arkansas.
​
Here below is a feature of our 2019 Trojan Career Fest- Marianna Leadership Team.
​
2019 Trojan Career Fest - Marianna Leadership Team
​
The following team members above participated in our 1st Trojan Career Fest for 115 Junior and Senior Scholars. We are so honored that each of the members took time out of their schedule to share their educational and career experiences with our scholars.
​
The program was a tremendous success and the school administration invited us to continue this program annually for the Lee County School District.
​
It was such a rewarding experience and we look forward to extending this opportunity again.
​
We believe every student shares an attainable dream that can be achieved through education and life-learning experiences.
Our Mission
R.E.A.L. Scholars mission is to perpetuate the importance of education and embrace life learning lessons for students to become agents of change within their community by following their passion to show that what appears to be impossible is in fact possible.
Our Vision
Our vision is to ensure every student has a chance to have a dream and act upon their dreams through education and life-learning experiences.
Welcome Back Scholars!
We wish you a safe and successful academic year.
​