Around WakeTech
U.S. Rep. David Price Announces Major Grant Award
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 11, 2015) - U.S. Representative David Price visited Wake Tech Community College today to announce a federal grant award that will have an impact on thousands of students over the next five years. The $1.7 million grant will fill critical gaps in services for high-need students, particularly Pell Grant recipients, with the goal of improving completion rates and successful transfers to four-year colleges and universities. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Education and is part of the Title III: Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP).
"This is one of the most significant grants Wake Tech has received in terms of the impact it will have,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott. “Tens of thousands of students will benefit from this multi-year grant.”
With the grant funding, Wake Tech will implement two “success strategies” for high-need students: a more intensive advising program for students enrolled in English 111, a required introductory course, and course redesign for four gateway courses with high enrollments and low completion rates.
Congressman Price presented a check for the grant funds to Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott. Price spoke with educators and administrators about the opportunities and possibilities the SIP grant affords for high-need students. Rep. Price also met with Wake Tech employees who provide a variety of services to students, including academic, financial, career and employment advising.
This grant has two overarching goals: to improve retention and graduation rates overall and to improve completion and retention rates of high-needs students through re-designed courses, focused advising, and targeted academic interventions. Wake Tech and other educational institutions rely on a range of grant awards to expand programs and services beyond what regular operating budgets allow.
