Press Releases

U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton – along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), French Hill (AR-2), Steve Womack (AR-3), and Bruce Westerman (AR-4) – today announced over $7 million in funding for Arkansas Higher Education under the U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services Program.

“Supporting diversity throughout higher education is important for our state.  These grants will expand education opportunities and help Arkansans from all walks of life develop the skills they need to be successful in the workforce,” Boozman said.

“Providing Arkansas students with the resources they need to succeed is critical.  I know these grants will help these institutions better serve their students,” Cotton said.

“It is imperative that our students have access to a top quality education and the best available resources.  These grants are to ensure the children who are struggling the most have that kind of access,” Crawford said.

“This funding will help low-income, first-generation, and disabled students in Arkansas succeed in their pursuit of higher education.  Providing all of our students with a first-rate education is vital to the long-term economy of our state, and I hope we can continue to take the steps needed to make Arkansas one of the most educated and highly skilled work forces in the country,” Hill said.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce.  These grants make the dream of college attainable for more Arkansans than ever before by providing the funding for much-needed support of these students and others who are in need of such services.  This will allow our campuses to grow increasingly diverse and ultimately, help more Arkansans earn a degree and enter the workforce with confidence.  I applaud this important investment,” Womack said.

“Creating an environment that promotes success in college is vital for the growth of our districts and the state of Arkansas,” Westerman said.  “Federal TRIO programs assist students with academic tutoring, assistance with student aid including application for assistance, and academic advising.  The funding of these programs at universities across the Fourth District will ensure that Arkansas students not only complete their undergraduate studies, but are able to enter the workforce prepared to compete in a global economy.”

The following institutions of higher education received funding:

• Arkadelphia: Henderson State University will receive a total of $598, 324 in two grant awards. The school will receive $350,742 for funding under the Student Support Services Program and $247,582 in support of the schools’ Student Support Services-Disabled Project.

• Batesville: University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville will receive $220,000 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Beebe: Arkansas State University – Beebe will receive $247,584 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Blytheville: Arkansas Northeastern College will receive $281,511 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Clarksville: University of the Ozarks will receive $268,874 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

•  Fayetteville: University of Arkansas – Fayetteville will receive $347,789 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Forrest City: East Arkansas Community College will receive $303,529 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Fort Smith: University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will receive $220,000 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Heber Springs: Arkansas State University – Heber Springs will receive $220,000 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Helena-West Helena: Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas will receive $314,691 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Hot Springs: National Park Community College will receive $352,838 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Jonesboro: Arkansas State University – Jonesboro will receive $265,750 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Little Rock: University of Arkansas – Little Rock will receive $359,161 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Magnolia: Southern Arkansas University will receive $333,028 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Malvern: College of the Ouachitas will receive $257,086 for funding under the Student Support Services Program. 

• Melbourne: Ozarka College will receive $278,421 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Mena: Rich Mountain Community College will receive $318,212 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• North Little Rock: Pulaski Technical College will receive $231,103 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Pine Bluff: University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff will receive $413,145 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• Pine Bluff: Southeast Arkansas College will receive $231,103 for funding under the Student Support Services Program. 

• Russellville: Arkansas Tech University will receive $220,000 for funding under the Student Services Support Services. 

• Siloam Springs: John Brown University will receive $231,103 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

• West Memphis: Mid-South Community College will receive $281,490 for funding under the Student Support Services Program.

These competitive grants are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.  Student Support Services (SSS) programs aim to provide services promoting persistence in and graduation from postsecondary institutions for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities.

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