Pine Bluff, AR. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has been selected as one of 19 institutions nationwide to receive the NCAA's Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant for the 2025–26 academic year. This competitive award underscores UAPB's ongoing commitment to advancing student-athlete academic achievement and overall success.

The NCAA's AASP grant is designed to provide resources that strengthen academic support systems, graduation outcomes, and holistic student-athlete development. Awarded institutions may receive up to $100,000 to invest in initiatives such as academic programming, learning technology, staff support, professional development, and enhanced student-athlete well-being.

"This grant represents an incredible investment in the future of our student-athletes," said Chris Robinson, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics. "At UAPB, we are committed to helping our student-athletes not only excel in competition, but also in the classroom and in life. The NCAA's support allows us to expand resources and create more opportunities for our Golden Lions to thrive academically."

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff continues to prioritize academic excellence among its nearly 300 student-athletes, who collectively achieved a department-wide GPA above 3.0 for the past academic year. The grant will allow the athletics department to further enhance programs that foster learning, career readiness, leadership development, and overall student success.