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Accelerate Student Achievement Program (ASAP)

The Accelerate Student Achievement Program (ASAP) celebrates and supports the academic achievement of first-generation and Pell-eligible Arkansas students at the University of Arkansas.

ASAP scholars jumpstart their U of A career by moving to campus in late July, completing a 2-hour course in early August, and participating in intentional events on campus and in the community. After this August bridge session, ASAP scholars continue to participate in activities that support their academic success throughout their college careers.

ASAP programming includes:

• A summer bridge program in early August that includes 2 credit hours of university coursework and community engagement activities
• Early academic, financial, and career guidance
• Peer and professional mentoring
• A renewable scholarship of $4,000 per year, for a possible total award of $16,000 over four years.
• Opportunity to move to campus early as ASAP Scholars live in Yocum Hall with other ASAP Scholars during the August bridge session and freshman year

Who is Eligible to Participate?

To be eligible to apply for ASAP, students should be:

• Current high school seniors
• Residents in one of the following counties in Arkansas (see map):
  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

How to Apply

Students who meet the eligibility requirements listed above will be invited to apply for ASAP participation. 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 Jessica Williams, Arkansas Associate Director of Admissions, at asap@uark.edu or by phone at (479) 244-2826 (voice or text).

Time Commitment

March 6 - ASAP Application Deadline
March 15 - ASAP Decision Release
mid-March - Housing Phase 1 Deadline for ASAP Scholars
mid-April - Room Selection for ASAP Scholars
May 24-June 30 – Attend a Two-Day New Student Orientation
July 29 - ASAP Move-In Day
July 29 -August 10 - ASAP Bridge Program
August 21 - First Day of Fall 2023

ASAP Scholars complete New Student Orientation prior to the August bridge program. During the August bridge session, Scholars live on campus in a residence hall community and complete an intensive schedule of classes and activities, including two credit hours of college coursework.

During freshman year, ASAP Scholars live together in Yocum Hall and attend weekly meetings with peer and professional mentors and demonstrate their commitment to academic success through the completion of weekly study hours.

ASAP Supporting Staff

For More Information

The Accelerate Student Achievement Program is a partnership between Enrollment Services and Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas. To learn more about how ASAP is supporting students in Arkansas, contact: