Conway, Arkansas – The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) has been awarded a $35,000 federal grant to enhance study abroad programs and make international education more accessible for students. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of State’s IDEAS Program, and UCA was the only institution in Arkansas selected during the 2025 award cycle.
University officials say the grant will support a new project titled “Stepping Stones Abroad: Accessible Arts-Based Approaches for Mental Health and Wellbeing in North America.” The initiative is designed to encourage participation in study abroad programs among early-career and low- to middle-income students, while also expanding online international learning opportunities and strengthening global education assessment efforts.
As part of the project, UCA plans to launch two new, lower-cost, week-long study abroad programs in Montreal, Canada, and Merida, Mexico. These programs will be developed in collaboration with UCA’s Center for Global Learning and Engagement, with the goal of making international learning more attainable for students who might otherwise face financial or logistical barriers.
Dr. Leah Horton, associate dean of the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College, emphasized that the program focuses on both accessibility and student well-being. “We know that this generation of students experiences increased mental health struggles, and research shows that engaging in creative pursuits has positive benefits for mental health and overall wellness,” Horton said. “One of the primary goals of this program is to encourage students to tap into their creativity and introduce them to skills, tools and activities that they can utilize over the course of their lives to promote their own mental health and wellbeing.”
The Montreal program is expected to launch in May 2027, followed by the Merida program in May 2028. Both programs are designed to combine arts-based activities with cultural immersion, giving students a chance to explore new environments while developing skills to support their personal and professional growth.
According to the State Department, the IDEAS Program awarded grants to 31 colleges and universities across 24 states. The initiative aims to expand international education opportunities while also supporting career readiness, economic growth, and national security objectives. Programs like UCA’s are intended to help students gain global perspectives, prepare for future careers, and engage more deeply with international communities.
University leaders see the grant as a meaningful step toward promoting equity and inclusion in study abroad programs. By offering lower-cost options and emphasizing creative, arts-based learning experiences, UCA hopes to engage students who might not otherwise participate in international education opportunities.
“The ability to study abroad can be transformative for students,” said a university spokesperson. “By making these experiences accessible and supportive, we are preparing students not only to succeed in their careers but to thrive personally and academically while connecting with the broader global community.”
With the new programs on the horizon, UCA is positioning itself as a leader in innovative international education that combines accessibility, creativity, and student well-being. The federal grant provides the resources necessary to expand the university’s global reach while offering students life-changing experiences abroad.
This initiative reflects a growing trend in higher education to integrate mental health support, creative learning, and global engagement, giving students the tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
