Alfred State College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a five-year $2.25 million grant from the US Department of Education as part of the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program.
This program is designed to help eligible colleges and universities expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.
To be eligible for the Title III grant, an institution must have at least 50 percent of its degree students receiving Title IV need-based assistance or have a substantial number of enrolled students receiving Pell Grants, and also have low educational and general expenditures.
Alfred State will now utilize the grant to increase several target areas, including student retention, associate degree completion rates for students considered “at risk,” bachelor’s degree completion rates, student satisfaction with advising, and the college’s endowment fund. It will also seek to reduce financial services’ caller wait times and abandon rate.
Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of Alfred State, said, “Our college is grateful to have been awarded the Title III grant and we look forward to implementing several strategies that will enhance student success. I applaud Betsy Penrose for leading the effort that made it possible for us to receive this grant.”
Dr. Kristin Poppo, provost, said, “Alfred State College is committed to helping each of our students meet their goals and attain a higher educational credential. The Title III Strengthening Institutions grant allows us to enhance our student support so that more ASC students are successful. Students are our first priority at ASC, and we are thrilled to be able to enhance their experience through this grant.”
Betsy Penrose, vice president of Enrollment Management, said, “The Title III Strengthening Institutions funding will help us build upon the strong student success foundation at Alfred State. We plan to expand academic advising, improve student onboarding, and increase the college’s endowment to support students in the future. This grant is an unwavering commitment to our students and an investment in their success.”
