Independence Community College has been awarded a $2.125 million federal grant to help aid in student success across campus. The dollars were awarded through the U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant, which aims to strengthen institutional systems that support students throughout their academic career.
The Title III Strengthening Institutions program is designed to support colleges and universities seeking to become more self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students. ICC will receive the funds over the next five years, which will be used to expand student support services in the classroom and launch new technological platforms that support students from admission to graduation.
"We have the opportunity to serve a diverse student body with a broad spectrum of academic needs," says Taylor Crawshaw, Vice President for Academic Affairs. "This award will allow ICC to expand and enhance the services we can provide to students, creating additional access to success in the classroom and workforce."
Institutions of higher education must meet several eligibility requirements. Under specific eligibility requirements, an institution must have at least 50 percent of its degree students receiving need-based assistance or have a substantial number of enrolled students receiving Pell Grants.
"As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the importance of having meaningful support inside and outside the classroom," said Dr. Vincent Bowhay, President of Independence Community College. "With this significant investment from the U.S. Department of Education, we will be able to hire supplemental instructors to support students in the classroom while also launching new systems designed to track student success throughout their time at ICC."