08-05-2025
UA Little Rock launches new scholarship program with $7.5 million gift
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Little Rock launched its new scholarship program Friday with the support of a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to provide need-based scholarship support in perpetuity.
UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said the gift includes a $5 million endowment with a challenge for the university to raise another $1.5 million as part of their centennial campaign.
'The remaining funds will be used for scholarships over the next several years while we grow that endowment,' Drale said.
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Drale said the Windgate Foundation has been a major supporter in the university's investments in the student experience.
'As we look forward, I invite all of you to dream big with me and help grow this endowment many times over,' Drale said.
In her announcement, Drale also pledged her own $25,000 to the scholarship fund.
'We hope that others will be inspired to join us as well in ensuring that affordability is forever,' Drale said.
Trojan Transition and Assistance Center event coordinator An Le said all students who will come to UA Little Rock will qualify for the scholarship.
'While it will help first-generation students, it will help other college students as well who just need a little assistance to start their college journey,' Le said. 'We're here to help you get your education.'
In 2023, the university launched their Trojan Guarantee that offers full tuition coverage for Pell eligible Arkansas students who also qualify for the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship.
Back in 2020, the university also launched its 'half off' scholarship that offers a 50% reduction in tuition for incoming freshmen for up to four semesters, regardless of income.
To date, Drale said, their scholarships have benefited over 41,000 students. Fifty-eight percent of whom are first-generation students, 43% are working students and 6% are veterans.
'In order to sustain this momentum, our goal has been to create a structure that will help us offer these opportunities on a permanent basis regardless of what our annual income is as an institution might be,' Drale said. 'We want to make sure these scholarships are available forever.'
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The Windgate Foundation supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the United States and prioritizes the advancement of contemporary craft programming and educational outreach and scholarships, as well as aiding visual arts programming and scholarships at colleges and universities and the expansion of visual arts in K-12 schools.
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