UA Little Rock Corporate Partnership Program Expands Reach and Impact

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program, which provides affordable and accessible higher education to working Arkansans, has more than 600 students participating this fall, and 321 people have graduated with assistance through the program.

It “has helped me a great deal,” especially with unanticipated expenses, said Saisha Dockery, scheduled to graduate in May 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “If you have a goal or dream of getting an education, it’s worth it.”

Through the Corporate Partnership Program, employees of partnering organizations receive a 10% tuition scholarship, a $25 per-credit-hour textbook stipend, and waived application fees — all funded by donors — making participation free. Employees can begin or complete undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificate programs at UA Little Rock while continuing to work full time, and more than 2,000 individuals have participated. 

More than 150 employers are now corporate partners, including recent additions Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Black River Technical College, Engineering Compliance & Construction Inc. (ECCI), First Orion, Immerse Arkansas, Lennox Commercial Factory-Stuttgart, and Lone Star Communications, Inc. The Corporate Partnership Program reaches all areas of the state — the Camden Fairview School District, Jasper Public Schools, Mena Public Schools, Mena Regional Health System, and Texarkana School District are all partners — and with UA Little Rock’s extensive catalogue of online courses, the program is accessible even to those in rural Arkansas. 

“The Corporate Partnership Program is an increasingly powerful way for UA Little Rock to serve our community, strengthen our workforce, and expand access to higher education,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for Student Affairs & Chief Data Officer. “The program demonstrates what is possible when we work together to remove barriers and make a college degree more affordable and attainable for working adults. We are proud of the program’s remarkable growth, but we are even more proud of the opportunities it creates for employees and their families and the stronger future it promises for our region.” 

Dockery is a care coordinator for CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, and she’s grateful they participate in this program. 

“My purpose is to help people,” and a criminal justice degree opens new job possibilities for her she would not have otherwise considered, she said. “I can knock on doors, and they will open.” 

Dockery, who has an associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, is a nontraditional student, so she worried she “would not be able to keep up” as she studied for her bachelor’s degree. However, those concerns proved unfounded.

When she visited the UA Little Rock campus, “the atmosphere, the help, and the community (showed me) I’ll be OK here,” she said. The university “offered everything I needed.” 

Dockery described the academic advising as amazing and said she has loved working with her instructors.

“I never had an instructor where I didn’t want to take the class; they easily translate information so you can retain what you need and not be overwhelmed,” she said. “I have no complaints, nothing but smiles.”

Dockery also plans to pursue a master’s degree, and she’s excited to achieve the personal milestone of graduation while also being a role model to her children and grandchildren.

“It’s rewarding, but also a great message,” she said. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Those interested in learning more about UA Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program may visit the website for more information. 

“By removing financial barriers to higher education, our Corporate Partnership Program empowers working Arkansans to advance their careers and helps local businesses retain top talent,” said Matthew Bellew, UA Little Rock’s corporate partnerships coordinator. “It’s a zero-cost strategy for employers that delivers immediate dividends in workforce growth and employee satisfaction.”

UA Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program supports growth for individuals and businesses alike. Those interested in building a successful future together with the university through this initiative should contact Bellew at [email protected] or 501-916-5652 to discuss participating.