A recent grant from
Bank of America
will help fund a University of Arkansas at Little Rock program that prepares incoming freshmen for college-level work while also supporting community health efforts led by the
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
(UAMS).
The $45,000 grant, made to the University of Arkansas Foundation, will direct $25,000 to UA Little Rock’s
Summer Bridge Academy
.
“Bank of America is a large bank, but they are also a great community partner. This investment reflects their ongoing commitment to expanding access to education and healthcare in Little Rock,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement at UA Little Rock. “We’re grateful for their continued support and proud to work alongside UAMS to improve outcomes for students and the community.”
Bank of America has supported student success initiatives at UA Little Rock for nearly two decades, including repeated investments in the Summer Bridge Academy, a three-week residential program that helps incoming freshmen eliminate the need for remedial coursework while building academic skills and confidence.
Since its launch in 2013, the program has helped dozens of students strengthen their college readiness before the start of the fall semester.
“Bank of America is committed to helping build strong communities by supporting programs that remove barriers and open doors,” said Magen Tune, Bank of America local market executive for Arkansas. “Our partnership with UA Little Rock and UAMS reflects that commitment and our belief that education and healthcare are essential building blocks for long-term success.”
The grant also supports the UAMS 12th Street Health and Wellness Center, a student-led clinic that provides preventive care and health education to underserved residents in central Arkansas. The clinic offers hands-on experience for UAMS students while serving the health needs of the surrounding community.
This grant reflects a shared commitment between Bank of America, UA Little Rock, and UAMS to create opportunity, improve outcomes, and build a stronger Little Rock community.
Written by Angelita Faller | June 23, 2025
by Sponsored
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