Walker Challenge Fundraising Initiative Endows Need-Based Scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Gifts made through the Annual Fund toward the Walker Challenge — an initiative to raise private gift support for need-based scholarships at the University of Arkansas — raised more than $37,000 in three months. This total was then doubled by the generous contribution of the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation to endow an Access Arkansas scholarship. The additional funds provided by the foundation were a part of a $1 million gift to support students with financial need.

In 2007, the university launched Access Arkansas, a program committed to raising money for need-based scholarship support, particularly for undergraduate students.

“Our priority as the state’s flagship institution is to serve our students,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “We know financial struggles are not uncommon, and it is critical that we offer scholarship support to students who may have to consider putting their educational pursuits on hold because of the cost of attendance. I am grateful to each person who made a gift in response to this worthwhile challenge, and I extend my deepest appreciation to the Walker family for allowing the impact to go even further.”

More than 16,000 University of Arkansas students received scholarships, grants, loans or Federal Work Study assistance during the 2010-11 academic year. Even with financial aid, the average student who receives this help still needs some $3,780 to pay for a year’s expenses. For a student who qualifies for support through an Access Arkansas scholarship, though, the unmet need rises dramatically to $11,770 if the student does not receive a scholarship. With private gift support raised through initiatives like the Walker Challenge, students with financial need are being helped every day.