Thanks to a very generous donor, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas launched the Hope Scholarship in 2021 to benefit low-income undergraduate students in Arkansas.
While the donors prefer to remain anonymous, they expressed their desire to uphold the Wesleyan cornerstone of “doing all the good you can, by all the means you can, for as long as ever you can” while inspiring others to do the same.
About the Hope Scholarship
The Hope Scholarship provides financial assistance to Arkansas students who would not otherwise be able to attend college. None of the original funds were to be placed in a permanent endowed fund because the donors wanted all the money used. When this seed gift was paired with the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, the initial scholarships totaled $600,000 over four academic years.
The first Hope Scholarship awards were made in the fall of 2022 through the Foundation’s partnership with seven institutional and organizational partners:
- Arkansas State University
- Arkansas Tech University
- Hendrix College
- Philander Smith University
- The Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy
- The Oscar Washington Jr. Educational Fund
- The University of Arkansas
About the Students
The average GPA for a Hope Scholarship recipient is 3.01. In addition to their academic work, students are involved in and hold leadership positions in organizations such as academic clubs, student government, religion, sports, and the performing arts.
About the Need
To create an ongoing source of funds for the Hope Scholarship, we seek an additional $2.5 million in funding by December 31, 2025. These funds will help ensure academic success for Arkansas students and leave them unhindered by debt upon graduation. Through prudent financial stewardship, gifts to the Hope Scholarship will leave a lasting legacy in our communities.
To learn more about contributing to the Hope Scholarship Fund, please contact Rev. Wayne Clark at
