Walton Family Foundation Gifts UA $2.1M for Diversity Education

The nonprofit Walton Family Foundation announced Dec. 11 a $2.1 million grant to the University of Arkansas to fund programs within the College Access Initiative and the Center For Multicultural and Diversity Education (CMDE).

College Access Initiative’s goal, according to the UA website, is to improve ACT testing frequency and performance among Arkansas high school students representing under-served populations and communities.

The money will directly benefit students from Phillips County in eastern Arkansas, and those who have graduated from public charter schools around the state.

This grant is the largest in university history going to diversity programs.

As part of the program, university officials will expand ACT training for high school students, and also increase recruiting efforts.

Additionally, students who are admitted to the university will be eligible for tutoring, mentoring and summer enrichment programs designed to increase both retention and graduation rates.

“Ensuring students from economically depressed areas of Arkansas, like the Delta, are supported in their academic careers is a top priority for CMDE,” Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for diversity and community at the UA, said in a university news release.