Pittsburg State University to provide scholarships to Bentonville Schools students
by November 12, 2025 5:22 pm 724 views
At right, Dr. Debbie Jones, superintendent of Bentonville Schools, speaks during an event Wednesday (Nov. 12) regarding a partnership with Pittsburg State University, which will give Ignite Professional Studies students full academic scholarships. From left are Dr. Thomas Newsom, president of Pittsburg State University, and Dr. Susan Bon, provost and executive vice president of Pittsburg State University. (photo courtesy of Bentonville Public Schools)
Bentonville Schools announced Wednesday (Nov. 12) that Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan., will give 10 Ignite Professional Studies students a full academic scholarship as part of a partnership with the public school district.
Scholarships will be awarded later in the academic year after an application and selection process. Each year, a new group of 10 students will be chosen.
Recipients will commit to enroll at the Crossland College of Technology at Pitt State. Students enrolled in the college can pursue degrees in construction, engineering and digital media. The college has two-year and four-year degree options.
The scholarships cover tuition and fees. Recipients will not have to reapply each year, and the scholarships will be renewed as long as they meet the academic criteria, such as maintaining a certain GPA. According to the university’s website, Arkansas resident tuition, including fees, is $8,599 for the 2025-26 academic year.
“This gift is going to change the trajectory of 10 students’ lives annually in the best way possible,” said Jessica Imel, director of the Ignite Professional Studies program. “Our students are laser-focused. These students will go to Pitt State and receive a stellar education and hopefully return to NWA to positively impact the economic landscape here at home.”
Dr. Karl Stumo, vice president of student life and enrollment, said Pitt State “ensures students gain relevant professional experience through a second-to-none, hands-on learning environment. These 10 students will receive a world-class education that will prepare them to work in their chosen fields and immediately make an impact. We look forward to this partnership in the years to come.”
Students in the Ignite Professional Studies program can now begin the application process. Interested students must apply for enrollment at Pitt State in the next few weeks. Upon acceptance, students will apply for the scholarship, and Pitt State leadership will interview scholarship applicants in the spring.