Tyson Foods Inc. awarded a $120,000 grant to the Office of Diversity Affairs at the University of Arkansas to create the Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarships and the Tyson Academic Enrichment Program.
The grant will be used to retain and graduate underrepresented juniors and seniors majoring in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business technology, food science or agricultural fields at the university.
“This grant represents an exciting collaboration between the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods,” said Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for diversity and community. “This investment has the potential to improve graduation rates and post-graduation outcomes for some of the most academically talented, underrepresented students in our state.”
Robinson said the scholarship is aimed to continuing students, instead of college freshmen, adding that it rewards students for their persistence and greatly enhances their likelihood of success.
The Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarship will support four cohorts of 15 students each. The cohorts will be supported through Diversity Affairs and the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education as part of the Academic Enrichment Program as the Tyson Academic Enrichment Program Scholars.
“We’re glad to be a part of the University of Arkansas’ efforts to increase the graduation rate of underrepresented students,” said Ulanda Terry, director of diversity and leadership development for Tyson Foods. “It’s our hope that the Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarship will make a positive difference in many students’ lives, and their careers after college.”