Governor’s Scholarship program recognizes state’s highest achievers

 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, the most prestigious academic scholarship in Arkansas, has been awarded to 300 graduating high school students from across the state. Another 75 students – one from each county – will receive the Governor’s Scholarship.

“The Governor’s Scholarship programs are an excellent way to recognize and reward students who have applied themselves to their studies and reached some of the highest levels of achievement,” said Shane Broadway, interim director for the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). “We’re pleased to be able to keep some of the best and brightest students here in the state.”

The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship will pay up to $10,000 per year for tuition, mandatory fees, room and board at any approved Arkansas college or university and is renewable for up to four years. To be eligible, a student must have either a 32 composite score on the ACT along with a 3.50 academic grade point average, or be selected as a National Achievement Finalist or National Merit Finalist.

Those students who receive the Governor’s Scholars award will receive $4,000 per year at any approved Arkansas college or university and is renewable for up to four years. It is awarded to the student who scores the highest in each of the state’s 75 counties. Selection is based on ACT or SAT score, GPA, class rank and demonstrated leadership.

The ADHE is responsible for carrying out the policy directives of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, approving and reviewing college and university academic programs and developing funding recommendations for the state’s 11 public universities and 22 public two-year colleges as well as several other post-secondary entities.

In addition, the agency is responsible for distributing approximately $170 million annually from state revenues and lottery funds intended to ease the financial burden of students seeking an education beyond high school. For more information, visit www.adhe.edu or call 501-371-2050.