U.S. Department of Education Grants Over $40 Million to Enhance College Completion for Underserved Students

The Department of Education in the United States has announced grants totaling over $40 million to seven recipients to enhance completion rates for underserved students. These grants fall under the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program, aimed at improving postsecondary student outcomes through data-driven and evidence-based approaches.

“In colleges nationwide, the focus is shifting from student elimination to student success, acknowledging institutions’ responsibility for all students’ educational achievements,” stated U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “These grants will not only support innovative strategies to boost graduation rates but also shift societal expectations.”

Recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reveals that only 62% of students complete their degrees within six years, with less than half of Black students achieving this milestone. Despite the challenges, the national graduation rate has seen a 7% increase in the past decade, indicating progress in assisting hundreds of thousands more students in attaining college degrees.

Seven grantees have been selected for the PSSG program to implement evidence-based practices that yield positive outcomes for underserved students. Three grantees are in the early phase, while four are in the mid-phase/expansion phase, based on the effectiveness of their approaches in enhancing student outcomes in postsecondary education.

Additionally, the Department has issued the final rule for the Postsecondary Student Success Grant program, outlining priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for future funding competitions to ensure effective and impactful student completion initiatives. This rule enforces three tiers of evidence standards, ranging from Demonstrates a Rationale/Promising to Moderate to Strong, aiming to enhance student success through evidence-based projects.

Grantees are mandated to conduct independent evaluations of their projects’ effectiveness, with a special focus on supporting under-resourced institutions like Title III and V institutions, nonprofits, or states partnered with such entities. Furthermore, a new selection criterion emphasizes utilizing data for continuous improvement of student outcomes for underserved populations.

Iframe code, an img tag, and a table listing the grantees and their grant amounts must be included in the final content. The listed grantees span institutions across several states, with varying proposals to enhance student success through tailored coaching, advisory programs, and financial support. The cumulative amount awarded is $41,264,496, aimed at fostering inclusive and effective postsecondary education outcomes.