Little Rock, AR – Contributed – Arkansas adults who have historically faced financial hardships in pursuing a college education or workforce training may be eligible for a new, privately funded Arkansas State University System Educational Scholarship Fund.

Applications are being accepted for scholarship funds for adults who are U.S. citizens, have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 13 months and have at least three years’ life experience after high school without attending college. Full-time or part-time students who want to attend classes either on an ASU System campus or through online courses are eligible.

Scholarship funds are available for use at any ASU System institution, including Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, ASU-Beebe, ASU-Mountain Home, ASU-Newport, ASU Mid-South in West Memphis and ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. Online students in the ASU System are also eligible.

| ADD US ON GOOGLE NEWS: Click here to see more local news from Jonesboro Right Now

The renewable scholarship is ideal for adults whose personal or financial circumstances delayed college early in life, said Dr. Robin Myers, interim president of the ASU System.

“These funds are designed to assist adults who have reached a stage where they are ready to pursue college after previously experiencing challenges that made it impossible earlier in life,” Myers said. “Applicants might also be adults who are ready for a career change or need certain certifications or degrees to advance in their career. Individuals who have served in the military since high school and are ready to pursue postsecondary education would also be possible candidates.”

Eligible undergraduate or graduate students must pursue academic fields such as business, healthcare, science, technology or vocational training. Liberal arts and legal fields are specifically excluded.

Recipients may use the first two years of degree plan scholarship toward tuition, books and associated fees. Funds during the remaining two years of a four-year degree plan may be available under select circumstances.

Funds are also available to pay for required admissions testing at any ASU System institution.

To see a complete list of criteria and certain exclusions on eligibility and to apply for ASU System Educational Scholarship Fund assistance, click here.

| DAILY BRIEF: Sign up for the Jonesboro Right Now Daily Brief Newsletter