Taylor Foundation Awards UA Little Rock $75,000 in Grants for Student Success Initiatives
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received two grants totaling $75,000 from the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation to support student success initiatives.
The foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the University Career Services Internship (UCSI) Program and a $50,000 grant to the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Department of History.
The Taylor Foundation, established by the late Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor, has a long-standing tradition of supporting education, business, and professional development. Their dedication to fostering opportunities for Arkansas students remains a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission.
The Taylors believed strongly in supporting students who aspire to build careers in the fields they valued. The Foundation is pleased to continue this tradition by investing in programs that provide students with practical experience and professional growth.
UA Little Rock recognizes the transformative impact of internships on students’ academic and professional development. The UCSI Program at UA Little Rock fills a critical gap by providing funding for student internships with employers who are not always able to provide paid internship opportunities. The Taylor Foundation’s grant will enhance the program’s ability to support students by funding more internship stipends, which provides students with hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and skill development essential for post-graduation success.
“The Taylor Foundation’s continued support of UA Little Rock demonstrates their commitment to helping students gain real-world experience through internships, a critical component of career readiness,” said Brittany Straw, director of University Career Services at UA Little Rock. “This grant will enable us to expand internship opportunities for students and better prepare them for success in their chosen fields.”
In addition to supporting internships, the foundation’s $50,000 grant to the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship Fund will benefit history students at UA Little Rock. Dixon, a longtime family friend of the Taylors, was a passionate advocate for preserving Little Rock’s history and played a significant role in chronicling the city’s past.
“This generous gift from the Taylor Foundation will have a lasting impact on our students,” said Dr. Barclay Key, chair of the Department of History at UA Little Rock. “Scholarships like the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship provide essential support to history students, allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue their passion for understanding the past.”
Through the continued generosity of the Taylor Foundation, UA Little Rock remains dedicated to providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities.