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The Weevil Jumpstart Program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will offer a full campus housing scholarship to eligible first-time freshman students in July 2025 who enroll in six credit hours during the Summer II session as part of the program. Classes will run from July 1 to July 31.

Launched in 2024, the Weevil Jumpstart Program is open to incoming first-time freshman students who have been admitted to UAM for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The program guides incoming students as they navigate the transition to college life. By offering a comprehensive array of activities and workshops tailored to students’ specific needs, the program is focused on both academic excellence and personal development. 

Jessica Foxworth, associate vice chancellor for Student Engagement and dean of students at UAM, stated, “I am thrilled to share our excitement regarding the remarkable success of the first year of the Weevil Jumpstart Program! With an impressive retention rate of 83%, we are well-positioned to support first-time freshman students entering UAM for the 2025-2026 academic year. This achievement reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for our students, and I am confident that we will continue to empower our incoming students, paving the way for their success at UAM.”

Wesley Reese, a freshman forestry student at UAM, participated in the program last summer. “The Weevil Jumpstart Program helped me feel more comfortable and prepared when I started classes in the fall. I didn't visit UAM before move-in day, so knowing where everything was located already was a big help,” Reese said.

Program participants will have the opportunity to engage in academic enrichment activities to strengthen foundational skills in key subject areas; receive personalized advising and support to develop academic goals and create a roadmap for success; connect with faculty, staff and peers through mentorship opportunities and group activities; gain valuable insights into campus resources, support services and extracurricular opportunities; and cultivate essential life skills, such as time management, study techniques and effective communication.

“The UAM Weevil Jumpstart Program made me feel confident and familiar with the campus before the fall semester even began,” Maelie Cooke, a freshman mathematics major at UAM, said. Cooke participated in the program last summer. “I had the chance to meet administrators and form lasting connections, which made it easy to approach them whenever I needed support. The program also helped me improve my time management skills. Overall, the UAM Weevil Jumpstart Program played a big role in helping me get settled in comfortably, get ahead in my general education courses and learn more about everything UAM has to offer. If presented the opportunity to participate again, I would definitely recommend it.”

Students in the Weevil Jumpstart Program will earn six hours of college credit, be part of an exclusive residential living and learning community, attend small classes, participate in academic skills workshops and develop leadership skills.

Interested students should complete the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by June 30 to be considered for financial aid. Eligible students may receive funds to cover tuition and fees for the six credit hours during the Summer II session, in addition to receiving the full campus housing scholarship provided through the program. Early FAFSA submission is encouraged to maximize financial aid opportunities.

Interested prospective students should visit the Weevil Jumpstart Program webpage for details and a link to apply. For additional information, contact Jessica Foxworth at foxworth@uamont.edu.