Taylor Foundation Awards 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock $75,000 in Grants for Student Success Initiatives

Marame Hughs, who completed an internship at the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, is one student who has gained valuable skills by participating in the University Career Services Internship Program, Photo by Benjamin Krain.
Marame Hughs, who completed an internship at the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2023, is one student who has gained valuable skills by participating in the University Career Services Internship Program. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

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鈥檚 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.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock recognizes the transformative impact of internships on students鈥 academic and professional development. The UCSI Program at 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 grant will enhance the program鈥檚 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.

鈥淭he Taylor Foundation鈥檚 continued support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock demonstrates their commitment to helping students gain real-world experience through internships, a critical component of career readiness,鈥 said Brittany Straw, director of University Career Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭his grant will enable us to expand internship opportunities for students and better prepare them for success in their chosen fields.鈥

In addition to supporting internships, the foundation’s $50,000 grant to the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship Fund will benefit history students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Dixon, a longtime family friend of the Taylors, was a passionate advocate for preserving Little Rock鈥檚 history and played a significant role in chronicling the city’s past.

鈥淭his generous gift from the Taylor Foundation will have a lasting impact on our students,鈥 said Dr. Barclay Key, chair of the Department of History at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淪cholarships 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.鈥

Through the continued generosity of the Taylor Foundation, 糖心Vlog传媒 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.