Tags: Scholarship , Student Funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Prince George’s Community College
joynersr@pgcc.edu
Prince George's Community College Receives $3.7 Million U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support Black Student Success
LARGO, Md. (April 7, 2022) – Prince George's Community College (PGCC) has received a $3.7 million PBI (Predominantly Black Institution) grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will expand opportunities and success for Black students. The five-year grant will fund the College’s R.I.S.E. (Reach. Inspire. Success. Evolve.) Program, $748,336 each year, through September 30, 2026.
"Student success is our highest priority here at Prince George's Community College," said President Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D. "This grant allows us to implement a program of case management advising and support on a much larger scale than was previously possible within this institution. The impact on our Black student participants promises to be life-changing."
The purpose of the federal PBI grants awarded to Prince George’s Community College and other eligible predominantly Black institutions are to plan, develop, undertake, and implement programs to enhance their capacity to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students; expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education; and strengthen the financial ability of the institution to serve the academic needs of their students.
At PGCC, the grant funding will support a new summer institute that will prepare Black students for success with free credit courses, including entrance exam preparation and life skills training. The grant will also enable the College to expand its two mentoring programs for Black students. The Diverse Male Student Initiatives (DMSI) program helps men focus their energy on self-improvement and prepares them for community involvement and leadership roles. The Women of Wisdom (W.O.W.) program provides opportunities for individuals who self-identify as women, enhancing their academic, personal, and professional development in a holistic environment.
“The PBI grant will support DMSI's retention efforts by increasing its capacity to serve a larger threshold of students through increased staffing, academic tutoring, and increased enrichment programming,” said Program Manager Brian Hamlin.
“The W.O.W. program cultivates a safe place for women to be their authentic selves. Its framework was built on helping women overcome barriers which impact their overall development,” says Stephanie Pair, Ed.D., program manager. “One of the rich benefits of this grant is that it affords us the opportunity to expand personal, academic, and job-to-career resources and services for our students.”
The summer institute will provide credit courses with academic and non-academic support programs. Included will be entrance exam prep instruction, life skills training, academic and career advising, coaching, and internships and apprenticeships. In addition, college tours, and various other support services will be offered to ensure that Prince George’s Community College’s Black students can successfully achieve their goals.
R.I.S.E. is expected to increase Black student enrollment and completion rates at Prince George's Community College as more students find greater success through the system of support, mentoring, and enrichment that it funds. For more information about the PBI Grant and R.I.S.E. program, contact rise@pgcc.edu.
The contents of this press release were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
About Prince George's Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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