| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) intends to use its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant to expand the university’s Economic Research and Development Center’s (ERDC’s) role in improving the community in which it is located. The project is structured to provide for the long-term revitalization of University Park through housing, business development, and community empowerment programs. All of the project’s activities will focus on the developmental needs of the low- to moderate-income residents, youth, and adults of the target community of Jefferson County, Arkansas. The University Park Community Revitalization Initiative Phase III represents a coordinated effort of UAPB, the City of Pine Bluff, Targeting Our Peoples Priorities with Service, Inc. (TOPPS), and Family Community Development Corporation (FCDC). The project goals are to: provide operational support to TOPPS and FCDC for community-based afterschool tutorial, summer enrichment, and cultural enlightenment programs for school-aged and adult residents of the University Park Neighborhood; utilize HBCU funds to acquire 26 lots for the development of 8 single-family homes; and provide technical assistance and training to 10 small businesses that apply to the Business Retention and Expansion Program offered by the City of Pine Bluff.
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