02/11/2026
Scholarships Available for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County Students
Applications Accepted February 1 – March 15
Pine Bluff, Ark. – Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County beginning Feb. 1. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Last year, $36,411 in scholarships were awarded.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.
“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in our students,” said Lawrence Fikes, executive director of Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.”
High school seniors from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County are eligible to apply. The scholarships were established for, but not limited to, students in the general areas of sports, history, library sciences, English, education, healthcare and/or hospital administration. Students may visit www.arcf.org/scholarships to begin the application process. The deadline to apply is March 15.
Some examples of available scholarships:
· The Robert P. Atkinson Leadership Scholarship is for a student pursuing a master’s level or above degree with an emphasis in administration within the healthcare field.
· The Betty Abbott Scholarship and Pinchback Taylor Scholarship are available through Southeast Arkansas Technical College
· The William A. and Genevieve H. Strong Scholarship is available through the Math Department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. For more information, visit www.arcf.org/scholarships, or contact Lawrence Fikes at [email protected], or at 870-850-7934
Arkansas Community Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides resources, insight and inspiration to build stronger Arkansas communities – communities where our kids will want to raise their kids. The Community Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the state in the number of grants made each year. Since 1976, the Foundation has awarded more than half a billion in grants to nonprofits. Serving local communities through a 29-affiliate network along with statewide initiatives, the Foundation staff works directly with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to help strengthen Arkansas communities through strategic philanthropy and focusing on local needs. Its assets rank among the top 60 of community foundations in the United States with more than $800 million in charitable assets under management.
Apply for Scholarships To get started, visit our scholarship portal and take the eligibility quiz to see where you qualify. Scholarship Portal Helping Arkansas students find support to continue their education is one of the most important ways we can improve Arkansas communities. Most Community Foun...
