Student Success
July 17, 2024

Eight AASCU Institutions Chosen for Latest Student Success Equity Intensive Program Cohort

Contact:
Kellee Edmonds
(202) 478-4662

DENVER, July 17, 2024 – The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has selected eight new member institutions to participate in the Student Success Equity Intensive (SSEI). This multiyear initiative is designed to help increase the academic success of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students, as well as address the equity gaps these demographics experience. This is the fourth cohort to enter the program, and with today’s announcement, there are now 60 institutions participating.

After a rigorous application process, AASCU selected the following member institutions for the latest SSEI cohort:

  • Adams State University (CO)
  • East Georgia State College
  • Missouri State University
  • North Carolina A&T State University
  • SUNY Cobleskill (NY)
  • The State University of New York at Potsdam
  • Western Michigan University
  • Winona State University (MN)

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SSEI is made up of institutions in rural, urban, and suburban campuses from around the country. The latest cohort includes one Hispanic-serving institution, one predominantly Black institution, and one historically Black college and university.  The selected institutions serve 57,402 students with an average Pell eligibility of 37.50%.

Participating SSEI schools are required to assemble a team of campus leaders that includes presidents, provosts, and student success and data experts. During this team-learning experience, schools receive customized support to help them make data-driven decisions that center the realities of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students. Throughout the program, members become better equipped to tackle the barriers these students face, so they no longer stand in the way of academic achievement.

Cohort members participate in in-person and virtual learning with peers at other institutions. They will have access to a variety of resources, such as webinars and online modules. Additionally, SSEI provides access to subject matter experts who can offer advice on equity, student success, analytics, advising, institutional transformation, and systems and strategic planning.

SSEI is one of AASCU’s vital programs and services that help members boost student success. This end-to-end guided learning experience empowers institutions to reach their student success goals as they serve the unique needs of current and future students from underserved communities.

“We are proud to add this new cohort to the SSEI program to help more institutions close equity gaps among Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students,” said Jacquelyn R. Jones, AASCU’s assistant vice president for student success. “Addressing barriers that preclude achievement is instrumental in helping diverse students succeed during and after college.”

Learn more about the SSEI cohorts selected in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions delivering America’s promise.