The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Jacksonville High School announced this week their new "Jacksonville Promise" program for JHS juniors and seniors, in the graduating classes of 2017-20.
The program guarantees unconditional acceptance to UALR for students who sign a contract and successfully complete the college preparatory core, score a 19 or better on the ACT or get a combined reading/math SAT score of at least 910 and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. The contract is non-binding though, so they can opt to attend any college or university after graduation.
An assembly was held at JHS for parents and students. There, Larry Wilson, president and CEO of Arkansas Bank and Trust of Jacksonville, announced a gift of $25,000 from his family's Wilson Charitable Trust to help Jacksonville Promise students in their freshman year at UALR. The Wilson Charitable Trust Freshman Year Awards will provide from $500 to $1,000 to students in need of financial assistance.
When students and parents sign the contract, they will also have the option to participate in numerous services, including:
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Group and personalized workshops for parents and students to help them complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, outline a financial aid package and learn about scholarships.
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Student experience and orientation days at UALR.
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Writing and math tutoring.
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ACT preparation.
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Placement tests for college admission.
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A hotline to UALR for students, parents and teachers.
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Concurrent academic enrollment to receive college credit while in high school and opportunity for earlier college degree completion.
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Participation in the Dr. Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy and/or the TRIO Talent Search program if eligible.
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Job mentoring with UALR alumni.
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Special recognition as a Jacksonville Promise graduate.