Jarvis Christian University will receive a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to improve completion rates for underserved students. Jarvis was one of seven educational institutions selected to receive a portion of more than $40 million.
The grants are being provided under the DOE’s Postsecondary Student Success Grant 9PSSG) program which aims to equitably improve postsecondary student outcomes, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based approaches.
The most recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows only 62% of college students graduate within six years, including fewer than half of Black students. The other six grantees included California State University, Fresno Foundation; Center for Collaborative Education; New York Institute of Technology; Research Foundation for SUNY—Albany; Portland State University, and The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Three of the grantees are in the early phase while four grantees are in the mid-phase/expansion phase, based on the amount of existing research validating their effectiveness in improving student postsecondary education outcomes.
The grant sets three tiers of evidence standards to ensure that grantees; projects are based on evidence and designed and implemented to have an impact on increasing student completion. The DOE recognizes the important role of college-to-career pathways and how grantee’s projects play a role in student success. Jarvis and other grantees must submit an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of their projects that target these DOE funds at these most under-resourced institutions focusing eligibility on Title III and V institutions or nono-profits in partnership with such institutions.
Jarvis provides a culturally rich educational environment where students are empowered to achieve their career goals through an inclusive and diverse academic experience that prepares them for a life of significance. Whether a student is a recent high school graduate or a working adult seeking career advancement, Jarvis Christian University develops all of its students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally.
