In 2007, the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (then the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope) established the UAHT Kids’ College program.
That same year, the UAHT Foundation, along with a local committee of community ladies, began fundraising for the program with the first annual Beads, Bags and Bangles (BBB) Bazaar.
Now, 15 years later, the “BBB Committee” has announced the creation of a $200,000 Kids’ College Endowment.
“It has been a privilege for me to be a member of the BBB committee since the first fundraiser many years ago,” said Deborah Malek, founding member of the BBB committee. “Because of the enthusiastic response from our community to our BBB fundraising event each year, we are able to make this lasting gift to the UAHT Foundation to continue to enrich the lives of students through education for many years to come.”
Since its inception, Kids’ College has served more than 10,000 students and has grown to include other programs including Camp-Save-A-Life, Engineering and Manufacturing Camp of Creativity, Junior Ranger Summer Camp, and Safe Sitter.
“Kids’ College is a great opportunity for kids to explore new horizons, try new things and make new friends,” said Kim Hollis, Founding BBB Committee Member. “Starting early is a great way for kids to realize the importance of college, and there’s no better way to show respect for the curiosity of college students than by awarding scholarships for their interests. I am very proud to have been a part of fundraising efforts benefiting students over the years, along with the other many ways UAHT adds value to the community.
“As a former director of Kids’ College, I know firsthand how great these programs are and how important they are to introduce students to education,” said Anna Powell, UAHT Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “Many of the students we have served over the years would never be introduced to a college campus if it weren’t for Kids’ College. These programs help open students’ eyes to the fact that college is achievable for them and will improve their lives. I want to thank all the ladies who have served on the BBB committee over the years and the former directors of the UAHT Foundation, including Stacy Keith, Dolly Henley, and Jill Bobo, for making this program possible for the thousands of students who are more than the years. None of this would be possible without them.”
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