The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has provided a gift to support the Appalachian-Inter Mountain Scholars program at The University of Virginia's College at Wise.

Established in 2007 as a pioneering partnership with Mountain Empire Community College, the AIMS program is an access and affordability initiative to encourage students in Southwest Virginia to complete a challenging curriculum on the path toward achieving a college degree.

The $5,000 gift from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will provide programmatic support for the AIMS program, which assists students from 13 high schools in Wise, Dickenson, Scott and Lee counties.

David J. Prior, chancellor of UVa-Wise, expressed appreciation to the Bank of America Charitable Foundation for its investment in the AIMS program.  “We are deeply grateful for this gift, which is fortifying the College’s goal of becoming an economic engine for the region by producing an educated workforce and citizenry who will remain in the area upon graduation and provide crucial leadership for generations,” Prior said.

UVa-Wise is the only four-year, state-supported college in Southwest Virginia and the only branch of the University of Virginia.  U.S. News & World Report ranks UVa-Wise among the top public colleges in the nation whose students graduate with the lowest debt. 

For more information, contact Kathy Still, director of news & media relations, at (276) 376-1027 or kathy.still@uvawise.edu.