The Walmart Foundation has given $56,000 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for its Center for Diversity Affairs Programs. The summer enrichment programs encourage students throughout the state to consider careers in healthcare.
“We thank the Walmart Foundation for their generous gift and support of the UAMS Center for Diversity Affairs and its programs for students,” said Billy Thomas, MD, UAMS vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. “A diverse healthcare workforce does a better job of taking care of a diverse population, and this gift will allow us more visibility and inclusion in our community.”
The Center for Diversity Affairs summer enrichment programs are designed to strengthen science, math, literacy, and test-taking skills. In addition, the programs give students an introduction to the many health career options at UAMS and include mentored research, the Summer Science Discovery Program, Bridging the Gap, ACT Preparation, and Undergraduate Summer Science Enrichment Program I and II. This summer, more than 180 students were exposed to health careers in the UAMS colleges of Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and the Graduate School.
The Walmart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating career opportunities and strengthening communities, in an effort to enable sustainable impact. The foundation meets the needs of the underserved by directing charitable giving toward its core areas of opportunity, sustainability and community.