Accelerate Student Achievement Program

What is ASAP?

The Accelerate Student Achievement Program (ASAP) is hosted on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville during the August intersession. After the summer session, ASAP provides ongoing support throughout the academic year. ASAP Scholars are awarded a $4,000 scholarship each year, split into two $2,000 payments per semester, contingent upon their continued enrollment and participation in student success programming.

What is a Summer Bridge Program?

The Summer Bridge Program helps incoming students get ready for college life by providing academic support, campus resources, and a supportive community. This program usually takes place over a few weeks during the summer and includes workshops, classes, and mentorship opportunities. These activities help students build the skills and confidence they need to excel their first year. Participants learn about university expectations, build connections with other students and faculty, and lay a solid foundation for their academic journey.

Who is eligible to participate?

  • Current High School Seniors
  • Residents in one of the following counties in Arkansas: Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Randolph, St. Francis, White, or Woodruff
  • Admitted to the University of Arkansas for the academic year immediately following high school graduation
  • First-generation college students and/or students who qualify to receive a Pell Grant (as determined by completing the FAFSA). Priority will be given to students who meet both of these qualifications.
  • "First-generation college student" is defined as those who will be the first in their immediate family to graduate from a four-year college or university
  • Committed to attending the University of Arkansas and living in the designated residence hall throughout both the bridge program and their freshman year

ASAP Program Timeline

Time Commitment

 
 

April 2026

The ASAP Application Opens

April 28

ASAP Application Priority Deadline

April 30

ASAP Priority Applicants Decision Release

April - Early May

Housing Room Selection for ASAP Scholars

Late May - June 30

Attend 2-Day Orientation Session

July 26

ASAP Move-in Day

July 26 - August 6

ASAP Bridge Program

August 17

First Day of Fall Semester

How to Apply

Students who meet the eligibility requirements listed above will be invited to apply for ASAP. Eligible students will receive an email invitation with detailed application instructions during their senior year of high school.

I think I am eligible for ASAP, but I have not received an invitation to apply. What should I do?

Students who believe they may be eligible to apply for ASAP should contact us at asap@uark.edu or by phone at 479-575-4789.

 

For More Information

Don Nix

ASAP Program Director

Email: nix@uark.edu 
Phone: 479-575-4789

Dr. Leslie Yingling

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Multicultural Initiatives / Associate Dean of Students

Email: lyinglin@uark.edu
Phone: 479-575-7183

Frequently Asked Questions

New Student Orientation

All ASAP Scholars should have attended a May or June New Student Orientation session and participated in academic advising. Please notify a member of the ASAP Team immediately if you were unable to attend your session. Orientation resources are available at orientation.uark.edu/resources.

When will I move in for the summer?

All ASAP Scholars will move into their residence hall the afternoon of Sunday, July 26. You may select your specific arrival time in the University Housing Portal. Please contact admissions staff at asap@uark.edu immediately if you are not able to move in on this date.

What class will I be taking during ASAP?

All ASAP participants will be enrolled in a two-hour course designed for the ASAP cohort. This class will meet every weekday beginning Monday, July 27 and ending Thursday, August 6. Students will also be expected to participate in bridge program activities on Saturday, August 1, and on Sunday, August 2. Please plan accordingly now to be present for all program activity dates, and contact ASAP program staff with any questions you may have about these expectations.

Where will I stay on campus?

ASAP Scholars are required to live in Yocum Hall during the August Bridge Program and throughout the fall and spring semesters of the 2026–27 academic year. Students who have already selected a residence hall room through the UARK Housing portal, or who have housing accommodations or other campus housing needs, should contact their admissions counselor or program director, Don Nix, to discuss participation in ASAP.

 

How does roommate selection work for ASAP students?

ASAP students can choose a roommate or be assigned a roommate using their Housing portal. ASAP students can choose to have a non-ASAP student or another ASAP participant as their Yocum Hall roommate. Students will use their Housing portal to confirm roommate plans. Please contact program director Don Nix or University Housing for help with any specific roommate planning questions.

Who are the ASAP peer mentors?

Peer mentors are a group of current ASAP students who provide information, support, and advice to new  freshmen. Peer mentors represent all colleges and several different majors, so there is always a mentor ready to answer a question, lend a hand, and connect ASAP students to the people and resources they need to succeed on campus.