NWACC LIFE program receives 3-year, $599K grant

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NWACC has received a three-year grant from the Walton Family Foundation to strengthen and expand the college's Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment (LIFE) program, allowing its staff to build on its mission to facilitate an accessible, empowering educational experience for students.

Totaling $599,139, the grant will help first-generation college students and Spanish-speaking families across Northwest Arkansas build meaningful connections to higher education, community resources and one another.

LIFE is designed to support Northwest Arkansas high school students as they explore their future academic, professional and personal goals. Through encouraging interactions and mentorships with NWACC students and community members, LIFE provides students and their families with success resources, support opportunities and a sense of cultural belonging.

NWACC LIFE Director Juanita Franklin said, “Since 2012, the LIFE program has helped students and families discover that they belong – not only at NWACC, but as valued members of the Northwest Arkansas community. 

“This grant renewal allows us to continue creating those moments of connection while expanding opportunities for students, parents, mentors and alumni to build relationships that strengthen our campus and Northwest Arkansas.”

Over the next three years, the LIFE Program will intentionally expand opportunities for students, families, mentors, alumni and community partners to build lasting connections through culturally responsive programming, family engagement, leadership experiences and community-based activities.

“Students thrive when they have strong academics, trusted mentors and a sense of belonging,” said Ana Aguayo, senior program officer for the Walton Family Foundation’s Home Region Program. “The LIFE program brings those elements together by helping more students and families build the relationships and confidence they need to navigate higher education and feel more connected to the Northwest Arkansas community.”

Programming supported by the grant includes the LIFE Summer Program, Family Nights, Padres Program, community service projects, campus and community partner events, alumni engagement opportunities and leadership development for mentors and parents.

The grant also introduces the LIFE Mentor Volunteer Leadership Stipend, a new initiative that recognizes the leadership and service of LIFE mentors. Eligible mentors who successfully complete a semester-long volunteer commitment may receive a $1,000 stipend, helping reduce financial barriers while supporting the continued growth of student leaders who guide future participants.

Graduating seniors who participate in the LIFE Summer Program and plan to enroll at NWACC are eligible to apply for LIFE scholarships. The program concludes each year with an awards ceremony recognizing participants' achievements through certificates of completion, scholarship awards and additional educational opportunities.

“We are so grateful for this continued partnership and excited for what we will accomplish together,” said Franklin, who also serves as NWACC’s Hispanic and Latino outreach director.

Research consistently shows that students who experience a strong sense of belonging are more likely to persist in college, complete credentials, develop leadership skills and remain engaged in their communities. Through this investment, NWACC's LIFE program will continue creating pathways that connect students and families to educational opportunities while strengthening communities across Northwest Arkansas.

Learn more about the NWACC LIFE program.