Our Mission

Teaching tolerance to Arkansas students through the lessons of the Holocaust.

Legislation

With strong support from the Arkansas General Assembly and two Arkansas Governors, our legislative efforts are enhancing the delivery of Holocaust education to students. Since the passage of landmark legislation in 2021, over 300,000 students in 500+ Arkansas schools are required to receive annual instruction about the Holocaust. In 2023, the last full school week in January was designated “Holocaust Education Week” in Arkansas.

Education

The AHEAD Fund is committed to enhancing Holocaust education. No child is born racist or bigoted. Hatred and intolerance are taught, often at a very young age. Holocaust education can be a meaningful tool to fight bigotry in our communities and combat the dangerous spread of Holocaust misinformation and denials found online.

Implementation

The AHEAD Fund was created in 2021 to deepen and improve the quality of Holocaust education by rewarding Arkansas educators who show excellence and creativity in teaching tolerance to students through the lessons of the Holocaust. 

Meet the Team

  • David Ronnel

    Founder, Student

  • Steve Ronnel

    Business Leader, Activist

  • Toby Klein

    PhD Student, Change-maker

  • Barry Brown

    Retired Professor, Novelist

  • Grace Donoho

    Founder of Arkansas Holocaust Education Committee,

    Retired Educator

  • Kevin Simpson

    Professor, Author, Holocaust Educator

  • Dorian Stuber

    College Professor