Student Dreams Come True in De Queen

(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.) 

Diversity and Inclusion
Honorable Mention • 5,000-20,000

The Challenge

In De Queen, many Hispanic students lacked access to financial aid for higher education due to their undocumented status, even though they were enrolled in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program. With no access to federal funding or state scholarships, and forced to pay out-of-state tuition, these students’ educational opportunities were severely limited, not only in De Queen but across Arkansas. Students at the University of Arkansas Cossatot wanted to find a way to drive cross-cultural engagement and obtain financial support for education.

The Solution

Students at UA Cossatot organized the first Fiesta Fest, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, to raise funds to provide scholarships for those ineligible for other financial support. Over the last decade, Fiesta Fest has grown into a major annual community event, fostering cultural unity and leading to state legislation allowing DACA recipients to pay in-state tuition, creating lasting change for future students.

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