UAHT offers free education to Hempstead County students
HOPE – Students in Hempstead County schools can now get their first year of college free.
The University of Arkansas Hope/Texarkana will guarantee students’ first year of college at no cost if they graduate from a Hempstead County school. There are four schools in the county – Hope, Spring Hill, Garrett and Blevins.
This announcement was made Wednesday morning at Hempstead Hall with the superintendent of the four schools in attendance. UAHT Chancelor Dr. Christine Holt, said this was a historic day for Hope and Hempstead County. She said Hope and the county have plenty of things to be proud of, producing governors and one US President. After today, she added, the county will have the Hempstead Guarantee to be proud of as well.
This program, Holt said, has the potential to change the lives of young people as they can attend UAHT at no cost their first year. This includes tuition, fees and book rentals. The program will start with the graduating class of 2024. To qualify, students must graduate from a county school, complete4 the State of Arkansas scholarship applications, and the FAFSA, submitting all financial aid documents by May 31 and enroll in at least 12 credit hours for the fall semester by June 30.
The cost of college is a problem for a lot of young people and their families, Holt said, and UAHT is helping defray expense as young people are an investment whether they proceed in a technical education or go on to a four-year college. The minimum savings to students based on annual UAHT tuition, fees and books is $3,606, based on 27 credit hours.
The goal, Holt continued, is to increase the number of students going to college in the county, as well as developing an educated workforce.
Dr. Donald Bobbitt, president of the UA System, said this program represents the kind of forward thinking the UA system needs. He pointed out undocumented students don’t qualify for Hempstead Guarantee, but the UA system has scholarships available for them as they aren’t forgotten.
Blevins Superintendent Stephanie Dixon said this is a huge investment in students and the community and UAHT has dropped the barrier for all students.
Christi Zumwalt, with Garrett Memorial, said she’s excited about the opportunity for students as Garrett also offers concurrent courses with UAHT and students can earn a two-year degree before graduating high school. This, she added, makes it more attractive for students wanting to continue to a four-year institute and is a wonderful benefit for the students.
Jonathan Crossley, Hope superintendent, said this is an innovation and a wrap-around service important to both the school and community. Last year, he continued, Hope started a cost vision from cradle to college and obtained a $15 million grant. Hempstead Guarantee, he added, gives a leg up in Hempstead County and the region.
Jeffery Steed, Spring Hill superintendent, pointed out this is an investment in students. Not all schools in the state and nation can say their students are offered a free college education. “This is monumental for us,” he said. “I believe this guarantees access to education at no cost.”
Holt said UAHT wanted to do something innovative and hired a consultant to discuss options with this program coming about. The idea grew quickly and the UAHT Foundation stepped up to help offset the costs. In addition, she said, UAHT will be allocating some of its operating funds to help defray the cost of the program and donations are always welcome.