California State University, Fresno has been selected by the Institute for Higher Education Policy to receive a Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award – a $100,000 grant to help build on Fresno State’s demonstrated successes in enrolling, retaining and graduating first-generation college students.
Fresno State was one of only 15 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) in the country selected through a highly competitive application process to strengthen efforts to support first-generation students.
“Fresno State is honored to be selected as one of just several outstanding higher education institutions nationwide to receive the Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award,” said President John D. Welty. “We call Fresno State ‘the university of opportunity’ for first-generation students and with this award, we will be able to enhance and expand our work with those who are the first in their families to attend college.”
Fresno State’s main focus with the grant will be developing an integrated-learning experience, as a part of the first-year experience program, focused on academic enrichment and success of students needing additional and/or remedial preparation in math and English.
“We are excited to be working with such a diverse group of minority-serving institutions focused on improving the success of this critical student group,” said IHEP president Michelle Asha Cooper. “Their planned initiatives demonstrate a long-term commitment to first generation student success that builds on their well-established mission to retain and graduate underserved student populations.”
The institute is an independent, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to increasing access and success in postsecondary education around the world
“The Wal-Mart Foundation is committed to helping our nation’s young adults live better – supporting programs that provide access to higher education is a key part of our commitment,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “We are confident that our partnership with the Institute for Higher Education Policy and minority-serving institutions will positively impact many first-generation college students and assure their academic success.
Approximately 41 percent of students enrolled at MSIs are first-generation, compared to 30 percent of students at predominately white institutions. Because of their overrepresentation of first-generation students, MSIs are ideally situated to improve retention and persistence gaps for these students.
The Wal-Mart College Success Awards program is administered by the Institute for Higher Education Policy and made possible by a generous $4.2 million grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The other winners include Bennett College for Women (NC); Claflin University (SC); Colorado State University-Pueblo; Florida International University; La Guardia Community College (NY); Mount St. Mary’s College (CA); Navajo Technical College (NM); Norfolk State University (VA); Northwest Indian College (WA); Salish Kootenai College (MT); Spelman College (GA); Tennessee State University; University of the District of Columbia; and University of the Incarnate Word (TX).
About The Institute for Higher Education Policy
The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is an independent, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to increasing access and success in postsecondary education around the world. Established in 1993, the Washington, D.C.-based organization uses unique research and innovative programs to inform key decision makers who shape public policy and support economic and social development. IHEP’s web site, www.Ihep.org, features an expansive collection of higher education information available free of charge and provides access to some of the most respected professionals in the fields of public policy and research.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Wal-Mart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
