Community foundation offers scholarships
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation will accept scholarship applications from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students Feb. 1 through March 15. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs.
Last year, the foundation awarded $37, 500 in scholarships. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, according to a news release.
“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in our students,” said Lawrence Fikes, foundation executive director. “These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.”
Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The scholarships were established for, but not limited to, students in the general areas of sports, history, library sciences, English, education, healthcare and/or hospital administration.
Examples of available scholarships include:
The Robert P. Atkinson Leadership Scholarship for a student pursuing a master’s level or above degree with an emphasis in administration within the healthcare field;
The Betty Abbott Scholarship and Pinchback Taylor Scholarship available through Southeast Arkansas Technical College;
The William A. and Genevieve H. Strong Scholarship available through the Math Department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
For the full list of scholarships, to begin the application process or for details, visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at 9pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or (870) 850-7934.
The deadline to apply is March 15. The Community Foundation Scholarship Committee will review applications in March.
Unified scholarships available
Unified Christian Alliance Inc. is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Academic Scholarship Program for high school seniors planning to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The deadline for submission is April 6.
Scholarships will be granted based on submitted short essays, and applicants should meet UAPB grade point requirements. There’s no need for recommendation letters or income guideline requirements, according to a news release.
The Unified Christian Alliance scholarships are easily accessible without any administrative cost requirements, according to Jennifer Lee, president of the alliance.
“The funds for these scholarships are sourced from the annual income of local trust funds established by generous donors. The organization welcomes tax-deductible donations from interested benefactors to support this noble cause,” according to the release.
Forms must be submitted or postmarked by April 6. Interested students may obtain application forms and guidelines from their counselors’ offices or visit the link at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyMCN8ddqsTSx0f2IyVfCYL__98C_HtOJLBSdm6jlU0sB4lA/viewform.
Applications and essays may also be mailed to Unified Christian Alliance Inc., 1709 E. Eighth Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601. Inquiries or email submissions can be directed to Jennifer Lee, Unified Christian Alliance president, at jenniferlee1321@sbcglobal or call (870) 692-0257 or Deborah Thomas, committee member, at akadooscholar@gmail.com.
Ivy Center announces events
Ivy Center for Education announces upcoming events.
Today — The Ivy Center College Tour/Cultural Experience participants will meet from 6-7: p.m. at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County main library, 600 S. Main St. All participating students, parents and chaperons should attend and bring their paperwork, according to a news release. Participants who cannot attend in person may join attend virtually via Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187; Passcode: 351061.
Feb. 6 — The Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub” Workshop, “Job Opportunities as Medical Lab Technicians,” will be held from 6-7 p.m. at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The presenter will be Jeff Turner, laboratory director. Seventh-12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend. Registration will be held from 5:45-6 p.m. Those who cannot attend in person, may attend virtually via Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187; Passcode: 351061.
Feb. 8 — An ACT Boot Camp will be held via Zoom only from 6-8 p.m. using Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. The facilitators will be Charity Smith-Allen and Team from Fetterman and Associates. Seventh through 12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend.
Feb. 13 — The Ivy Center will host a Future Aviation Engineers Workshop from 6-7 p.m. at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. The workshop topic is: “Data Science, AI and Rockets.” The presenters will be Sederick Rice, associate professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Karl Walker, graduate coordinator of Computer Science & Technology at UAPB. Seventh-12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend the live event or virtually using Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187; Passcode: 351061.
For more information on any Ivy Center program, parents or students may email Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or follow the center on social media or its website ivycenterforeducation.com.