Radford University receives $1.2 to help hire student advocates supporting low-income students
RADFORD, Va. (WFXR)– The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) awarded Radford University with a $1.2 million grant to establish a program designed to increase retention and graduation rates of Pell Grant-eligible and low-income undergraduate students at the university.
The goal of the four-year grant is to increase retention by 5% and six-year graduation rates for this group of students by the end of the 2027-28 academic year. To help carry out the program, Radford will use this grant to hire four student success advocates to work with Radford’s Pell-eligible students and provide them with programming, interventions, and resources to promote their education efforts.
Baby boy delivered by members of Lynchburg Fire Department
According to the university, around 37% of all Radford undergraduate students are eligible for the Pell Grant. Advocate systems will be set up to provide a support system for these students to assure their academic success, well-being, a sense of belonging at Radford, and career preparedness.
“By receiving this exceptional SCHEV grant, Radford has a unique opportunity to positively impact our Pell-eligible student population,” said interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Bruce Hayden ’93, M.S. ’95. “We are strategically positioned to provide student success advocates as dedicated resources and advocates for these students. The SSAs will help navigate pathways and connect students to resources they may not be aware of. I firmly believe that the touchpoints between SSAs and their students will significantly contribute to achieving their graduation goals.”
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