MCLA Awarded SUCCESS Grant
BOSTON— Governor Maura Healey announced $14 million in funding to help students at Massachusetts universities complete their degree programs and graduate. The funding, awarded through the State University SUCCESS (SU SUCCESS) program, is expected to support at least 8,000 students statewide this year by expanding access to academic advising, tutoring, personalized support and financial assistance for students facing challenges that could prevent them from graduating.
In Berkshire County, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) was awarded $684,096
"We've made historic investments to make college more affordable in Massachusetts, and now we're making sure students have the support they need to get across the finish line," said Governor Maura Healey. "No student should have to give up on their degree because they can't afford an unexpected expense or don't have access to the help they need. These investments are about helping more students graduate, get good-paying jobs and build successful futures right here in Massachusetts."
The SU SUCCESS program provides targeted support for students who may be at risk of not completing their degrees. This includes one-on-one academic advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, career and scholarship guidance, and assistance connecting students with resources for basic needs like housing, transportation and child care. The funding is expected to reach approximately one in four students identified as at risk of not completing their degrees at the nine state universities.
To strengthen student support services across the state university system, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education is working with the State Universities Council of Presidents and Georgia State University's National Institute for Student Success (NISS). Through this partnership, universities are receiving technical assistance to identify students who may need additional support, improve academic advising and implement proven strategies to increase graduation rates. ICF International will independently evaluate the initiative and help identify opportunities to improve outcomes.
"SUCCESS gives our state universities new tools to identify barriers and provide students with the right support at the right time," said Mary K. Grant, chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents and president of MassArt. "When more students have the resources they need to persist through to graduation, they gain the opportunity to put their talents and creativity to work, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a skilled, creative workforce that will help shape the future of Massachusetts."
Of the $14 million investment, approximately $13.3 million will support student success initiatives at the nine state universities, with remaining funding supporting statewide implementation and evaluation. Awards are determined in part by student enrollment and the number of Pell Grant-eligible students at each institution.
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