Ed department funnels $2.5 million toward boosting student services, outcomes
In an effort to help improve student services and outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education has announced plans to dole out more than $2.5 million in grant funds to seven institutions of higher learning. The funds will serve 1,765 students and will assist in providing the “academic, financial, and motivational support they need to succeed in college,” according to an Ed Department press release. The monies will help fund tutoring, academic advising, financial aid and economic literacy programs, and other resources that will assist transfer students moving from two-year institutions to four-year institutions or from undergraduate programs to graduate or professional academic work.
“In this era of the global economy, getting to college is not enough; it’s vital that students also succeed and reach the finishing line,” the nation’s schools chief Arne Duncan explained. “These Student Support Services grants provide critical support to students who can benefit from extra assistance and encouragement along their college journey, enabling them to reach their personal goals and contribute to the economic vitality of our Nation.”
The funds, which will come from the Education Department’s Student Support Services division, will also assist in providing housing during school breaks for students who are homeless or in foster care as well as mentoring and the expansion of students’ access to various cultural experiences.
The following states and institutions will share the more than $2.5 million in grant funds to help improve student services and outcomes:
Arkansas
North Arkansas College, Harrison; $317,068
Colorado
Colorado State University, Fort Collins; $377,282
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma, Norman; $433,481
Oregon
Southwestern Oregon Community College, Coos Bay; $291,359
Puerto Rico
Universidad Metropolitan, San Juan; $292,337
South Dakota
Black Hills State University; $287,459
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin, Waukesha; $553,207
