Karen Clos
October 11, 2023
A&M-Central Texas received notification from the U.S. Department of Education confirming that the university has been selected to receive funding under the Strengthening Institutions Program in the amount of $450,000 for the first period between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024. It is anticipated that the grant will be for a total of five years and expected to total $2.2M.
The award is scheduled for final approval in November by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, allowing the university to build on current programs and initiate WarriorU – a new program designed to expand the university’s capacity to serve low-income students by focusing on increasing belonging, success, and completion.
The award will also focus on the “serving” aspect of the university’s identity and concentrate on activities that build and reinforce students’ sense of community, belonging, and success. The project also seeks to provide valuable connections to university support services and external social service resources.
Interim President Richard Rhodes, Ph.D., thanked those who contributed to the success of this effort, including student affairs leadership who encouraged and supported the effort which resulted in the receipt of the award.
“Because of the competitive nature of this grant, I think it is safe to say that we were all hopeful for this outcome because these activities are something we believe in as a university,” he said.
“I have seen example after example of the incredible talent among the faculty and staff, and the truth is, we have a lot to be proud of when it comes to the success of our students and the experience they have here. This grant will allow us to keep building on those successes and serve even more students.”
Project activities include:
- Learning Assistance and Supplemental Instruction Programs; outreach through CIVITAS Learning Early Alert program, and Student Success Coaching and/or Peer Mentoring;
- Student Campus Community Activities Board; SWAG- Supporting Warrior Academic Goals incentive program; Badging program activities; ACUE Training for Faculty and Staff; and
- Coordinated campus and community resources to address basic needs (food insecurity, medical/mental health, homelessness, family/legal issues, financial literacy and related needs) and reduce attrition.