November 29, 2023
For immediate release
Contact: John V. Cardone
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Cell – (407) 615-1828
Carlow University Receives $1.8 Million Title III Grant from U.S. Dept. of Education
Grant will be used to increase student success and retention.
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Carlow University received a $1.8 million grant through the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program from the U.S. Department of Education to increase retention and graduation rates.
The program aims to help eligible institutions of higher education become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.
“Carlow’s mission is to make transformational educational opportunities available for a diverse community of learners, and to empower them to excel as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world,” said Kathy W. Humphrey, PhD, president of Carlow University. “We will use this grant, consistent with our tradition of academic excellence, to address barriers that impede access to student success and achievement.”
This grant will support Carlow’s strategic initiatives by improving the first-second year retention rate and graduation rate for all students, increasing levels of student engagement, and creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment on campus.
The university will add staff who specialize in advising and retention and can provide individualized attention using learner-centered advising practices. Implementation plans include enhancing the technologies available to facilitate the workflow and improve communication between faculty, advisors, and students to ensure that student progress is well monitored and that interventions are timely.
A cornerstone of the project will be the development of Bridge Programs to connect students to resources and services to help them build strong study habits, and strengths-based mentoring to help them choose a major and career path. A secondary goal of the programs is to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Additionally, workshops centered in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning will be offered to the faculty to create a stronger foundation for embodying the heritage and values of the Sisters of Mercy to “engage our diverse community in a process of life-long learning, scholarship, and research.”
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