Values that mold generations of young men are necessary in a troubled world.
Jim Curl believes that and draws on his experience to teach boys how to become men as he spearheads the Plains Preparatory Institute at Braman, Oklahoma. Curl, 71, the PPI founder and board chairman, said the small school in his community closed due to low enrollment, an unfortunate trend he has seen in other High Plains states.
He said the closures devastate communities. However, they do not reduce the need to educate students. That led to the dream of Plains Preparatory Institute with a focus on turning boys into leaders. The institute is in the fundraising mode with an initial goal to raise $10 million to build a comprehensive teaching facility with an eye to open in 2027.
“Being an ‘old’ educator and a farmer, I see a need to develop young men to take their rightful place in society in intellect and physical and spiritual maturity,” Curl said. “For some reason, men are being left behind in fields that require a prerequisite of mathematics and science. PPI will be formatted to the needs of learning for young men in these areas with problem-solving and hands-on experience to be trained in sustainable agriculture and energy.”
Students will be taught by experienced professionals in their respective fields, Curl said. Differing techniques will be encouraged with an emphasis on laboratory programs and hands-on learning.
“PPI will be a no-nonsense learning institution—Christian values lived without the ‘woke’ attitude,” he said. “In this way, all students are treated with respect, and each will receive the merits they earn with their God-given talents. Older students will embrace the attitude of mentoring, and there will be no bullies.”
The program has received the endorsement of fellow board members, which include Dr. Kurt Campbell, DVM, of Tonkawa; attorney Megan Holden of Blackwell; and Tim Bowser, a professor in food process engineering at Oklahoma State University. All three have posted testimonials in support of the program at https://plainspreparatoryinstitute.org/. They also believe in using an independent firm to verify results.
The first-year goal would be to enroll ninth- through 11th-graders with 15 per class. The next year those 11th-graders would become the first senior class, he said.
“The final goal is of enrollment of 200 high-intellect young men to feed the land-grant universities of the Plains area,” Curl said.
PPI will offer a regular school year with opportunities for summer work if the students request, he said. The PPI’s overall goal is to raise $20 million and be overseen as a 501c3 institute.
“I know of no other teaching institution that will be like this one,” Curl said. “I have set up a prestigious oversight board of two professors and a lawyer each with a burning desire to help students.”
Tuition will be charged, but Curl said hopefully there will be enough donations to make scholarships possible to deserving students.
Curl asks agriculture or energy companies along with individuals to help the cause. Donations can go beyond tuition. A donation for a building or a faculty salary will also help to reduce tuition and attract the best minds.
“We need to bring back the brightest minds and youth to our Plains communities and help the world in ways yet unknown,” he said.
People who want to send a tax-deductible contribution may do so at RCB Bank
Attn: Plains Preparatory Institute, 1350 W. Doolin Ave., Blackwell, OK 74631. There is also a GoFundMecampaign for smaller donors at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-plains-preparatory-institutes-vision. People with questions may contact Curl at 580-401-3353.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].