Registration is open for the second class of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy, a program aimed at preparing students for success while increasing high school and college graduation rates.

The deadline to apply for the program has been extended to Friday, Jan. 30, for students who attend high schools in the Pulaski County Special School District.

Ninth and 12th grade students are eligible to apply for the incoming class at ualr.edu/studentsuccess/cwdsa or www.pcssd.org/donaldson-apply.

The academy, funded through the PCSSD’s $10 million desegregation settlement, was launched last summer and is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Philander Smith College, in cooperation with the school district.

It is open to African American students and others who are at-risk of academic failures due to socioeconomic disadvantage, or other factors.

Last year, 58 high school graduates completed the academy and improved upon their test scores, eliminating the need to take remedial courses in subjects such as math and composition.

By the completion of the program, all 58 students reportedly planned on attending college at UALR or another school.

Amber Smith, the director of UALR component of the Donaldson Scholars Academy, urges students to complete the application as soon as possible. Any students that have already applied should have their parents complete all the necessary forms to confirm their enrollment.

Students who complete registration by the deadline will be eligible to begin the program starting Saturday, Jan. 31, for 9th grade students, and Saturday, Feb. 7, for 12th graders.

For more information or questions, contact Jonathan Bobo at jxbobo@ualr.edu or 501.569.8713.