After celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, Welcoming Week NWA returns this September with a renewed focus. The 2025 series will spotlight student engagement, community service and civic leadership, marking the next chapter in a decade-long effort to foster belonging across Northwest Arkansas.
Organized by EngageNWA at the Northwest Arkansas Council, Welcoming Week NWA 2025 builds on the success of last year’s student-focused programming and expands its reach by partnering with more high schools, libraries, businesses and teen-centered spaces to strengthen a regional framework for student civic engagement.
This year’s focus, “Future Forward: Community Service and Welcome Month,” highlights Arkansas’ requirement for high school students to complete 75 hours of community service to graduate, and creates opportunities for teens to gain leadership experience and deepen their connections to the region.
“Welcoming Week NWA continues to grow and evolve because it reflects what makes our region strong: connection, collaboration and shared purpose,” said Margot Lemaster, executive director of EngageNWA. “This year, we’re especially focused on empowering young people to lead thereby strengthening civic engagement and helping build more connected, vibrant communities throughout the region.”
Featured Events
Teen Volunteer & Community Engagement Fair
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10
Time: 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S. Main St., Bentonville
Details: In partnership with Bentonville Public Library, this drop-in event allows students to connect directly with nonprofits and local leaders to explore service opportunities, internships and hands-on ways to make an impact.
Volunteer to Lead: Find Your Cause. Build Your Future
Date: Saturday, Sept. 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Haas Hall Academy Rogers, 2807 W Ajax Ave., Rogers
Details: In partnership with Haas Hall Academy Rogers, this teen-focused day will feature a panel with local leaders, skill-building labs and workshops on how service can open doors to college, careers and civic leadership.
Teen Volunteer and Community Engagement Fair for Springdale High School Students
Date: Friday, Sept. 26
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Springdale High School Auxiliary Gym, 101 S Pleasant St., Springdale
Details: In partnership with Springdale High School, this event will showcase local organizations and service opportunities to help students begin meeting their community service requirements. Note: This event is open to Springdale High School students only.
Other highlights include the International Festival at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, La Lotería Family Night in Springdale, NWA Community Showcase at Butterfield Stage in downtown Rogers and Latin Weekend! music and salsa nights at The Music Depot. Together with library programs, neighborhood gatherings and family activities across the region, these events showcase the cultural richness of Northwest Arkansas while creating opportunities for residents of all ages to connect and contribute.
Welcoming Week NWA 2025 is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Walton Family Foundation, Tyson Foods, Signature Bank | Banco Sí, Visit Bentonville, Arvest Bank, Bentonville Public Library, Haas Hall Academy, KUAF 91.3 Public Radio, Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Springdale Public Schools, along with many community partners. Their commitment ensures that events remain free and accessible to the public, while helping to create meaningful opportunities for connection and belonging across Northwest Arkansas.
A full calendar of events can be found at WelcomingWeekNWA.org.
