Morgan Community College (MCC) received notice of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.
The funding comes under the Department’s Title V program for Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and provides $600,000 per year for five years, totaling $3.0 million in grant support. MCC obtained official Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status in fall 2018.
The DHSI program enables institutions like MCC to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, and institutional support for student success. Grant funding begins October 1, 2019 and will support the addition of new staff for advising and other direct service to students.
MCC’s Title V grant program, titled “SUCCESS” (Supporting a College Culture of Equity for Student Success) includes four primary activities: Intrusive Advising, Supplemental Instruction/Tutoring, Summer Bridge, and Professional Development.
Intrusive advising is a well-researched model of proactively working with students to provide support in helping them achieve their goals. The SUCCESS program will provide supplemental instruction and tutoring for students in entry-level courses.
The Summer Bridge component will provide a two-week orientation and preparation program each summer for up to 50 incoming students. Students in the program will receive a laptop that they will continue to use during their time at Morgan Community College.
SUCCESS staff will work with other MCC faculty and staff to develop sustainable professional development opportunities that promote inclusive excellence in teaching. In addition, learning communities will be created between MCC faculty and regional high school teachers to promote a seamless transition from high school to college.
Finally, beginning in fall 2021, the grant will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for the establishment of a $300,000 endowment that ensures continuity of service and provides financial assistance to students so they can access higher education.
“This Title V grant is a major pivotal point in the college’s history,” said MCC President, Dr. Curt Freed. “The grant provides much needed funding focused in multiple ways to promote even greater MCC student success.”
Derek Grubb, MCC’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness will lead the grant activities. Derek’s background in other federal student support grants and experience in data-driven solutions will help promote the success of the program.
For more information about Morgan Community College, visit www.morgancc.edu or call 970-542-3100.
