PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (February 27, 2023) – College students are often at a crossroads of financial and housing security as they seek to establish themselves as self-sufficient persons in the workforce. At-risk students who are challenged by financial restrictions that limit their secure access to food, clothing and other critical needs will now be supported by The University through a variety of programs and initiatives thanks to recent funding awarded to Prairie View A&M University by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). John P. Gardner, assistant vice president for Academic Engagement & Student Success, and Interim Athletics Director at PVAMU, was instrumental in securing $744,364 for two years.
John P. Gardner, assistant vice president, Academic Engagement and Student Access
As a highly regarded “institution of the first class,” with a clear mission to invest in programs and services that address issues and challenges affecting the diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population of Texas, the mission of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) extends to The University’s own students. With “Access & Quality” at the top of the official Core Values, PVAMU aims to, “provide equal educational opportunity to increasing numbers of persons from unserved and underserved populations residing primarily among the economically and socially bypassed.” “Investing in our at-risk students is not just a financial obligation, but a moral imperative,” said PVAMU Vice President of Research & Innovation Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA. With this funding, we have the opportunity to empower our students to reach their full potential.” The grant will fund four separate programs to assist at-risk students:
- Summer Bridge Programs – supports scholarships, support staff wages, meals, and housing costs. (Estimated $500,000.)
- Closing the Gap Scholarship Fund – supports students with current outstanding balances. The scholarship will be restricted to at-risk students on track to graduate in good academic standing. (Estimated $77,564.00.)
- Student Emergency Assistance – supports students with emergency food, clothing, or other unexpected critical emergencies hindering the learning process. (Estimated $20,000.00.)
- PVAMU Peer Academic Coaching Programs – supports the newly created peer academic coaching program geared to provide at-risk students with support and encouragement as they progress through college at PVAMU.
The peer academic coaches will connect at-risk students to campus academic support services and resources, including faculty/instructors, advisors, tutors, help centers, study locations, and libraries, and help them cultivate habits that will result in academic success and graduation. (Estimated $146,800.00.) ### By Jenna Craig