MAGNOLIA – Prospective college students, parents, teachers and others who are interested in learning more about the new Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship are invited to a public meeting from 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, May 6, at Southern Arkansas University. The event will be held in Foundation Hall of the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center.
Dr. Jim Purcell, director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, will present a presentation explaining the number of changes in the Academic Challenge Scholarship.
Proceeds from the new Arkansas Scholarship Lottery will dramatically increase the amount of scholarship funds available to Arkansas citizens. During the 2010 fiscal session, the Arkansas General Assembly made sweeping changes to the Challenge Scholarship program, and the Department of Higher Education has created software making online application an easy and efficient process.
“One example of a dramatic change in the Challenge Scholarship is the General Assembly eliminated the financial need component which now makes scholarship funds available to all households regardless of income levels,’’ Purcell said. “Also, non-traditional students and students who are already in college but not receiving the Challenge Scholarship may also qualify, so the pool of eligible students has been expanded tremendously.”
ADHE is hosting the series of public meetings so parents, teachers and students have the opportunity to learn more about the Academic Challenge Scholarship and how to apply. For more information, contact the SAU Office of Financial Aid at (870) 235-4023.
