UAPB program helps high school grads transition to college

PINE BLUFF -- The Walton Family Foundation has provided a two-year, $200,000 matching grant to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to help fund the school's Learning Institute and Opportunities for New Students, or LIONS, program.

The money will provide each high school graduate who enrolls in the program a $2,300 scholarship for tuition, fees and housing. A book reward of up to $500 is also available.

The five-week program, which begins next Monday and runs through Aug. 8, is designed for incoming students admitted to UAPB "who want to get a jump-start on their college career," university officials said.

In addition to enrolling in six hours of English and algebra, program participants will also receive academic tutoring and attend college orientation, academic and professional workshops, and personal and social success seminars.

"We are extremely pleased that the Walton Family Foundation supports the program," UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander said. "The investment will aid the LIONS program in transitioning new students to UAPB. We want to be able to help assure the success of the next cohort of promising students."

Since 2008, 139 students have participated in the program with a fall semester enrollment rate of 97.1 percent. Participants complete their foundation courses during the summer program and benefit from experiences that can help them become more academically prepared, socially mature and knowledgeable first-year students.

UAPB officials said program participants are retained at a greater rate and graduate in fewer semesters than other students.

"The Walton Family Foundation funds will allow UAPB to provide a summer enrichment opportunity to many Arkansas Delta students who would not have had that opportunity because of their economic circumstances," said Linda Okiror, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management.

"Students attending the LIONS program get a jump start on their college careers and gain from the social, personal and professions support of the LIONS staff."

Trudy Sanders of Camden said she's planning to participate in the program because no one in her family has been to college, and she's nervous about the transition from a small town to a four-year campus.

"I think this program is just what I need to help calm myself and ease into the college experience," Sanders said. "I am really looking forward to this because I will have an advantage when the fall comes. I will be ready, instead of just having sat around all summer doing nothing."

Sanders' mother, Octavia Johnson, fought back tears when talking about her daughter's forthcoming college studies. Johnson said she's grateful that the program is available to new students like her daughter because "there is no way I could have prepared her for this."

"It's such a big moment in her life, and I know it will change her life forever. This is a great thing for these young people," she said.

State Desk on 06/30/2014

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