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MCC Awarded $2.25 Million Federal Grant to Integrate Support Systems, Attract Students to In-demand Careers (10/29/2019)

Note: This is an ARCHIVED news release. Information in this article may have changed since this was published.

Graduation Cap First in Family to GraduateFunds ease students’ transition to college and world of work with little to no debt.

To help more students obtain a college credential, especially in high-demand fields, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded Monroe Community College a $2.25 million grant to support the college’s new Advancing Pathways for Partnerships in Learning through Integration of Education and Data (MCC APPLIED) program. The funding will lead to increased participation in integrated student-centered services, including guided academic pathways, toward career opportunities in the Finger Lakes region. The grant places special emphasis on first-generation and underrepresented students.

“The U.S. Department of Education’s investment empowers first-year MCC students to successfully transition to college-level coursework and make more informed academic plans and career choices,” said MCC President Anne M. Kress. “By expanding and integrating existing support systems, MCC will provide the data-driven tools students need to be responsible partners in their educational success.”

The Title III, Part A, Strengthening Institutions Program grant will be administered at $450,000 per year over five years. The funding will launch the MCC APPLIED program, designed to help students:
    · Prioritize academic, financial and career planning during the first year of study.
    · Complete college-level English and math courses.
    · Tap into relevant information, academic advising and holistic assistance using integrated technology.
    · Achieve degree/certificate completion with little to no debt.
The MCC APPLIED program builds upon MCC’s leadership in the SUNY Guided Pathways Project. The model is also designed to promote financial literacy through understanding financial outcomes of careers and implications of student debt.

Strengthening Institutions Program grants are awarded to help higher education institutions expand their capacity to serve low-income students.

Media Contact:
Rosanna Yule
Government and Community Relations
585-292-3024
ryule@monroecc.edu