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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.
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