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EAST Program Scholarship

The University of Central Arkansas EAST scholarships recognize UCA’s historic role in the development and growth of the EAST program. A graduate of UCA created the EAST program, and UCA has continued its relationship with EAST in multiple ways as the program has grown and achieved fame within Arkansas and in other states. EAST scholarships are awarded to high school graduates that have been active members of EAST programs without regard to their college major in so far as that major is offered at UCA.

EAST scholarships carry a value of up to $1,500 per semester for a maximum of eight semesters or through completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first. Award decisions will be based on applicant:

  • meeting all eligibility requirements
  • qualifications and accomplishments
  • letter of introduction and recommendation
  • financial need

Award amounts may vary based on factors including but not limited to:

  • applicant qualifications and accomplishments
  • applicant financial need
  • number of recipients
  • available budget

A. Eligibility Requirements

  1. Completion of two years active participation in an EAST program during grades 9-12.
  2. High school grade point average of not less than 2.50 overall and in high school core course requirements based on a 6th or 7th semester official transcript.
  3. Minimum ACT composite score of 21 or SAT composite score of 1060 (out of 1600).
  4. Preference may be given to graduates of Arkansas high schools; however, should a recipient be chosen from an out-of-state program, then the recipient will be considered as an in-state student for the purposes of the EAST scholarship.
  5. Must be full-time entering freshman at UCA in the fall semester following high school graduation.
  6. Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

B. Application Process

  1. Complete the EAST Scholarship application below.
  2. Upload a typed one-page letter of introduction describing the skills learned in the EAST Program and how you plan to apply that knowledge to your education at UCA.
  3. Submit a list of honors and activities (optional).
  4. Mail an official 6th or 7th semester high school transcript.
  5. Mail an official qualifying  ACT/SAT score no more than five (5) years old.
  6. Mail the most recent year’s 1040 tax form (parent(s) tax form if a dependent, your own tax form if not claimed as a dependent).
  7. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s EAST facilitator must be e-mailed. Details are provided at the end of the EAST Scholarship application.

Please contact Dr. Stephen O’Connell (soconnell@uca.edu) for additional information or with any questions regarding the EAST Scholarship.

Application and all required materials are due by March 29, 2024.

Mail Application Materials to:
EAST Program Scholarship
College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Lewis Science Center, Suite 145
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035


Applicants will be notified of award decisions by April 26, 2024.

C. Renewal

  1. The scholarship may be renewed for seven consecutive non-summer semesters as long as the recipient is making satisfactory progress toward the chosen degree.
  2. The recipient must remain in good academic standing as defined by the current Undergraduate Bulletin.
  3. The recipient must maintain good citizenship standing with the university.
  4. The recipient must earn a minimum of 28 semester hours each academic year with at least 12 hours earned each fall and spring semester. An exception may be made for the first year, but a recipient must earn 24 semester hours during the first academic year. The scholarship may not be used for summer sessions.