MSU Moorhead receives $2.2 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education

MSU Moorhead receives $2.2 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education

The grant will be used to increase student retention and degree completion

Minnesota State University Moorhead has received $2,248,731 million to increase student retention and degree completion through new equity-based retention strategies and strengthened active learning opportunities.

The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Strengthening Institutions Program, through the Office of Postsecondary Education. The program aims to help eligible institutions expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.

"Receiving this extremely competitive grant is an incredible accomplishment by our faculty, staff and students," said President Tim Downs. "I see great potential for this grant to elevate our Dragon experience and to deliver on our promise of focusing on student achievement and students' return on their investment."

"As our first priority with this Strengthening Institutions Program grant, we will launch a student success coaching model to provide individualized coaching to students that addresses their academic and non-academic barriers to remaining in college," said Arrick Jackson, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

"We have built a robust academic coaching model in our Academic Success Center and among our Student Relations Coordinators. This investment will allow us to scale the holistic, individualized support to more students and address equity gaps in student outcomes," said Erika Beseler Thompson, Director of Academic Success.

Additionally, the university will create a Center for Active Learning that supports faculty in reducing the achievement gap through active learning strategies and experiential learning opportunities.

Both strategies are firmly rooted in our commitment to institutional change for equity and inclusion and closing equity gaps. The grant will fund a Title III project director, a director of active learning, and student success coaches.

"I expect this grant will play a pivotal role in helping us to achieve our Equity 2023 goals," Downs said. "Together, we can eliminate educational equity gaps and ensure a successful future for all students."

The total cost of the project is $3,327,858. Seventy-five percent will be financed with Federal grant dollars totaling $2,248,731 and 25 percent will be funded by non-governmental sources. The grant period begins October 1, 2024, and continues for five years.

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