Prospective graduate students from underrepresented populations will soon be on campus for the Attracting Intelligent Minds Conference. Attendees will learn about University of Arkansas graduate programs, funding sources and research opportunities.

The conference is set for Sept. 20-23. The conference's theme is "Creating Connections and Building Bridges … Together."

The U of A has built strong relationships with minority-serving institutions, through AIM. The conference has helped graduate programs recruit the nation's best students, while supporting the university's diversity initiatives.

In addition to learning about graduate school, attendees will discover the benefits of living in Northwest Arkansas. Students will learn from panelists, including Fayetteville Public Schools superintendent John L Colbert and Walmart executive Wayne Hamilton, about how to create connections and opportunities at the U of A and in Northwest Arkansas. Attendees will also take a guided tour of the region.

Learning about the professional and cultural amenities in Northwest Arkansas can help persuade students to consider the U of A for graduate school.

"The AIM conference was monumental in my decision to attend the University of Arkansas," said Angelique Price, a former conference participant and current U of A graduate student. "The conference helped me network and build a sense of community, but most importantly it made U of A home."

This year's AIM participants will also collaborate with regional GEM students, thanks to the College of Engineering. GEM is a network of corporations and universities that enable students from underrepresented communities to pursue graduate education in science and engineering.

Students attending this year's AIM conference come from Hampton University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Georgia State University, Claflin University, Philander Smith College, Jackson State University, Harding University, and Prairie View A&M. 

The U of A Black Graduate Student Association, the Graduate School and International Education and additional campus partners will sponsor the conference.