$1.7M grant to support CCRI 'Pathways to Progress' initiative

Posted 10/31/19

CCRI President Meghan Hughes today shared the news that the college was awarded its first ever U.S. Department of Education competitive Title III Strengthening Institutions grant. The $1.7 million, five-year grant will support CCRI's Promoting Pathways"

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$1.7M grant to support CCRI 'Pathways to Progress' initiative

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CCRI President Meghan Hughes today shared the news that the college was awarded its first ever U.S. Department of Education competitive Title III Strengthening Institutions grant. The $1.7 million, five-year grant will support CCRI’s “Promoting Pathways to Progress” initiative to improve degree completion through full-scale implementation of the Guided Pathways model, the launch of a first-year student seminar, and the integration of work-based learning across academic programs.

“I am tremendously proud of this milestone, and thankful to our faculty and staff team members who worked tirelessly to develop the Title III grant proposal. It is a recognition of the transformative work the college has undertaken to support student success,” President Hughes said. “This grant will provide the college much needed resources to greatly enhance the ability of our students to persist and complete their programs of study.”

The Title III grant will support three defined programs:

1.) A coordinated approach to the full-scale implementation of the Guided Pathways model, including the creation of seven Path Navigators – experienced faculty and practitioners who will work across all divisions to bridge the responsibilities of faculty and staff within each path.

2.) The creation and launch of a first-year seminar course across Guided Pathways that will assist students with goal formation, career exploration, transfer options, and program planning.

3.) The expansion of work-based learning and the development of a capstone course for each pathway that will integrate a required credit-bearing, work-based learning experience.

CCRI offers seven Academic and Career Paths: Arts and Humanities; Business, Economics, and Data Analytics; Communication, Media, and Film; Education, Government, and Human Services; Environment and Sustainability; Health and Health Administration; and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The pathways encompass 31 direct-to-career associate degree programs with 43 concentration options and 45 certificate programs, as well as 52 transfer degrees that provide entry into baccalaureate programs.

“The ‘Promoting Pathways to Progress’ initiative provides our students with the necessary academic and personal wraparound support to improve students’ chances of persisting to completion of their associate degree and transferring to a four-year institution,” added Vice President of Academic Affairs Rosemary Costigan. “This award is a win for the entire college. I especially want to thank our committed faculty who embraced the Guided Pathways model and who share an unwavering commitment to student success.”

CCRI is at the forefront of improving the ways community college students are prepared to advance their education and career prospects. This May, the college achieved its highest two- and three-year graduation rates in more than 20 years and awarded more credentials than ever before. The college expects to have the highest three-year graduation rate of any community college in New England by 2021.

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