The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold a free virtual fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 29, for students who need financial support to complete their degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“There is a great need for STEM graduates in central Arkansas,” said James Hendren, member of the Dean’s Science Council for the Donaghey College of STEM. “They fill key positions in industry, medicine, the startup community, and are extremely important in the teaching profession. Some of these students, especially in this COVID-19 environment, run into problems separate from a scholarship that may cause them to not be able to complete their degree. A few dollars might help them meet a transportation or a family health emergency, and this fund can help keep them on track.”

The UA Little Rock Advocates for STEM fundraising event will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and will support a fund for promising students who need financial assistance in order to complete their STEM degree at UA Little Rock.

“Since the Dean’s Science Council is not having the Fribourgh Award Ceremony and its corresponding fundraising event for scholarships this year due to COVID-19, we wanted to further our ability to help students in need,” Hendren said. “Any help from the community in advancing this cause to help students and the economic development of Arkansas would be greatly appreciated.”

Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the event, which is presented by the UA Little Rock Dean’s Science Council and the Venture Center.

The speakers will include Hendren; Ronnie Dedman of AT&T Arkansas; Anna Beth Gorman of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas; Cheryl Avants of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield; Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM, and a recipient of the scholarship.

The event is free to attend and can be viewed via Zoom at this link.

Those who would like to donate to the emergency fund may visit this website. Under Fund, select “Other” and type in “STEM.”