Philander Smith College is a private, historically black institution established in Little Rock, Arkansas. Philander is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and holds chapel on a weekly basis, which freshmen are required to attend. The college is founded on social justice and is home to a Social Justice Institute which sponsors local events and houses resources for students to develop as leaders for change. First-time freshmen have the opportunity to enroll in the school’s S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program, which provides students with a six-week head start before the fall semester begins.