Caleb Challenges Conventional Thinking: A student goes from intern to community leader
Reigniting the American Dream: Putting People Over Politics
The person who spearheaded on-the-ground support for the largest education reform bill in Arkansas to-date wasn’t a career politician, he was a 21-year-old college student.
Caleb Williams, a rising star in the community, didn’t start out that way. His journey began in a small town in Arkansas where he attended the first and only interdistrict high school in the state. Caleb was grateful for the opportunity to attend a different school, one that best suited his needs. He saw how his friends and family were held back by an education system where zip codes, not students’ individual needs, ruled the day.
These experiences were a catalyst for Caleb to want to make a difference, but he struggled to channel his frustration into actionable change. His desire remained unrealized until Caleb found Americans for Prosperity, where he was equipped with the tools and knowledge to channel his untapped potential into powerful action.
Caleb’s Leadership Journey: Transforming the Status Quo
Caleb was just 20 years old when he first walked into the AFP-Arkansas office hoping to secure an internship as a first step towards making meaningful change. JD McGehee, Deputy Director for AFP-AR, instantly detected Caleb’s radiant personality and empathetic nature when it came to helping others in his community, and he took Caleb under his wing.
When Caleb first started the program, he was afraid of public speaking. But with AFP’s training it wasn’t long until he was speaking in front of crowds, moderating large events, and discussing policy with legislators.
From there, Caleb wasted no time and got involved in AFP’s efforts to pass the LEARNS Act, an education overhaul bill that would give students more choice and access to alternative education that best fits their needs.
For Caleb helping was a no-brainer. He got that opportunity when he was a kid, it was time to pay it forward He hit the ground running, knocking on doors and organizing events until the LEARNS Act was signed into law in 2023
Caleb’s ability to create change is a shining example for those around him who had lost faith in the system.
“You can take action. There’s so much you can do through Americans for Prosperity to help people.”
Passing the Torch to the Leaders of Tomorrow
Caleb’s public service didn’t end there. He enlisted in the National Guard and was elected as Students Body President of University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, a historically black college and university. By using the tactics and skills he learned at AFP, he was able to rally student support around his campaign.
Caleb then set his sights on the nation’s capital, where he interned for two congressmen. He cherished the experience and said he can now pass on his newfound knowledge to those who don’t get the opportunity to come to D.C.
Having worked at the local, state and now federal level, Caleb was more empowered than ever to get people involved in their communities to shape policy outcomes; just like AFP had taught him. His spirit didn’t go unnoticed, as the governor appointed him to the Black History Commission of Arkansas — a post that allows him to continue his service.
“We are empowered when you can advocate for your community. You can create greatness and make sure this country is going in the right direction,” Caleb said.
Caleb believes in his generation’s ability to advocate for policies that put people over politics. In fact, his experience has demonstrated that young voters are fed up with the status quo and they’re best positioned to be the change makers of tomorrow to reignite the American Dream.
“We need a generation of young people to challenge the barriers that exist,” asserts JD. He’s proud that Caleb is doing just that.
Learn how to drive bottom-up change in your community, get involved with AFP today.
