City Year Little Rock Adds Jay Barth to Board

City Year Little Rock today announced Jay Barth, Ph.D. has joined its board. With his nearly three decades of experience in education and civic engagement, Barth will help the nonprofit meet its mission to advance educational equity in Central Arkansas.

“Jay has shown an unwavering commitment to helping all students achieve their full potential,” said Jennifer Cobb, senior vice president and executive director. “His tireless dedication, paired with his knowledge and experience, will be instrumental to City Year’s continued success in serving schools, families and the community.”

Barth is the director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. He began his career in the Department of Politics at Hendrix College, where he taught for 26 years before taking emeritus status in late 2019. From 2020-2022, he was the chief education officer for the City of Little Rock, overseeing its support for children and youth from birth through higher education.

Barth was a member of the inaugural faculty of the Clinton School of Public Service, taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and completed a seven-year term on the Arkansas State Board of Education, including two years as chair. He holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Hendrix College and a master’s degree and a doctorate in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

About City Year Little Rock: City Year Little Rock has been serving Central Arkansas since 2004. This year, AmeriCorps Members are full-time tutors and mentors in four Little Rock School District schools: Mabelvale Middle, Stephens Elementary, Cloverdale Middle, and J.A. Fair K – 8 Preparatory School.

About City Year: City Year helps students and schools succeed. Teams of City Year AmeriCorps Members provide support to students, classrooms, and the whole school, helping to ensure that all children receive a high-quality education that prepares them with the skills and mindsets to thrive and contribute to their community. Studies show that schools partnering with City Year were up to two to three times more likely to improve on math and English assessments.

A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service, local school districts and private philanthropy. City Year partners with public schools in 29 communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa. Learn more at www.cityyear.org.