Students from Arkansas Commitment Class to Attend University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Five graduates from the Little Rock-based Arkansas Commitment Program will attend the University of Arkansas this fall. This is the first time since the program was started, in 1999, that this many of its graduates have chosen to attend the University of Arkansas.

“Arkansas Commitment is a great program that encourages young people to pursue their college education,” said Charles Robinson, vice provost for diversity at the university. “Their goals align with our goals to foster the college readiness of Arkansans from underrepresented communities. We are pleased these students have chosen the University of Arkansas and we look forward to welcoming them this fall.”
Arkansas Commitment is a college-readiness program that aims to enhance the lives of African American high school students by assisting to provide college access, personalized counseling and mentoring, and opportunities to take part in community service projects.

Over 30 students graduated from the Arkansas Commitment Class 2011, receiving over $1 million in scholarships and need-based aid to outstanding schools around the country. The five students who will attend the University of Arkansas are: DeVonte’ Bankhead and Cheron Williams from Parkview High School; Tara Jones from Hall High School; Lillian Ayana Gray from Pulaski Academy; and Braylon Junior from Lisa Academy.

The Arkansas Commitment Program is a non-profit organization established in 1999 through the vision of Dr. Dean Kumpuris and the assistance of community members as well as civic and business leaders. The program was created to identify academically talented African American high school students throughout central Arkansas and guide them to become effective community leaders. The program provides students different workshops and events related to continuing education, leadership and life skills, conducted by community and business leaders. Students also receive standardized test preparation and go through an extensive college search process, specific for individual students. There is also a selective internship program.

Arkansas Commitment works with approximately 160 high school students representing over 23 high schools, five counties, and various socio-economic backgrounds. The Class of 2011 consists of 36 students from 12 different high schools. All of them have been accepted to colleges and universities across the nation, and they plan to matriculate to 25 different institutions from Colorado to Maine.