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Hendrix College Receives CIC NetVUE Grant

Grant to deepen vocational exploration and discernment opportunities for students

CONWAY, Ark. (March 11, 2024) — Hendrix College is among a select group of Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) members chosen to receive a Program Development Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to deepen vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students.

The grant totals $48,000 and will be used from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2026, to develop four new programs that create more deliberate connections to vocational resources for all students across their undergraduate experience:

  • Coffee chats that connect sophomores with faculty and staff for informal conversations on finding their vocation;
  • A “connections retreat” for juniors that creates space for vocational exploration;
  • A coaches and faculty connection initiative aimed at coordinating mentoring efforts for student-athletes; and
  • A peer mentoring initiative that uses Hendrix’s robust engaged learning program to connect students who could use guidance with peers who have established a strong track record in the program.

“The intentional vocational exploration supported by this grant will play a pivotal role in fostering career readiness,” said Hendrix President Karen Petersen. “Thanks to the generous support of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE, and the Lilly Endowment, Hendrix students will gain a deeper understanding of their interests, strengths, and values by actively exploring various vocational paths. This exploration will help them align their skills and passions with potential career opportunities and strengthen their ability to pursue and excel in their chosen field after graduation.”

About NetVUE

A program of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE is a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. NetVUE Program Development Grants are made possible through generous financial support to the Council of Independent Colleges by Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more at www.cic.edu/networks/netvue.

About CIC

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. Learn more at www.cic.edu.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.  

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose