FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas will host the 2004 George Washington Carver Project May 23 — July 2. Named for the renowned educator and agricultural researcher from Diamond, Mo., the Carver Project gives prospective graduate students from historically Black colleges and universities the opportunity to work directly with a faculty mentor and gain exposure to various aspects of graduate study, including standardized test preparation, research and presentation skills, and the graduate application and funding process.

"This marks the seventh year the university has hosted the Carver Project," said Angela Wilson, recruiter for the UA Graduate School. "And with each year, we see both the number and quality of our applicants improving. That’s a great sign of the growing reputation of this program."

This year’s participating institutions include the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Dillard and Xavier Universities in New Orleans, La., Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Miss., Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Tex., and Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.

UA departments hosting Carver interns include mechanical engineering, agricultural economics, civil engineering, physics, chemistry, horticulture, humanities, industrial engineering, drama, and kinesiology.

"Through programs like the Carver Project, the university continues working to establish and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with its fellow institutions to continue providing diverse opportunities on campus," said Bob Smith, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Historically Black colleges and universities are defined as post-secondary institutions founded before 1964 with the expressed mission of educating African-Americans. There are 105 such institutions, and they are found primarily in the southeastern United States. The group is comprised of community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and public and private institutions. For more information on historically Black colleges and universities, visit the Department of Interior’s Web site at http://www.doi.gov/hrm/black.html.

Students selected for the Carver Project are enrolled in historically Black colleges and universities with at least 60 hours of coursework completed and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Below is a schedule of selected events for the 2004 George Washington Carver Project (photo opportunities available):

 

Sunday, May 23, 2004

4:00 — 7:00 p.m.

Welcome Barbecue

UA Alumni House

 

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Leadership/Team Building Activity

Front Lawn of Old Main/104-106 Peabody Hall Prof. Ken Vickers

 

Thursday, July 1, 2004

3:00 — 5:00 p.m.

Final Presentations

Reynolds Center Auditorium

 

5:00 — 7:00 p.m.

Farewell Dinner

Reynolds Center, Seminar Room A