GLENVILLE, W.Va. – Glenville State College (GSC) has been awarded a grant from the United States Department of Education for the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) totaling $2,113,565 over five years. The funding is designed to strengthen the institution and meet goals set in the College’s strategic plan.
In September, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito announced that GSC would receive the funding. The award was part of other funding designed for West Virginia’s colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical schools to improve retention rates and student experiences in underserved areas. The project will run from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2026.
The SIP-funded projects at Glenville State will create a virtual one-stop shop for student services, increase coordination among offices, increase mental health services, increase resources for wrap- around support, advance platforms designed to enhance student connections, engagement, tutoring, advising, and scheduling, enhancing technology systems, and complete infrastructure renovations and preservation of student spaces.
“We’re excited to be receiving this funding and we look forward to implementing several of the projects over the next few years,” said Glenville State College President, Dr. Mark A. Manchin. “We already do good work, and this SIP grant funding will allow us to expand existing programs and create new initiatives – all aimed at student success and making Glenville State even better.”
“Every West Virginian should have the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background or where they live. I am pleased the U.S. Department of Education is investing in four West Virginia educational institutions and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to expand their ability to serve West Virginia students, including college readiness services for our students in rural communities. This is a great news for our students who are considering or already pursuing higher education, and I’ll continue to support these efforts to prepare our future workforce to compete for good-paying jobs here in the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said.
“West Virginia’s postsecondary education institutions, whether it be technical school, university, or college, provide students with the foundation to succeed in a variety of careers. It’s important we continue evaluate the effectiveness of our education programs and constantly look for ways to keep students on track to earn their degree. The investments announced today are welcome news for West Virginia because it will help those enrolled in postsecondary programs prepare for and succeed in whatever path they choose, especially in the areas of our state that need it most,” said Senator Capito.
The Strengthening Institutions Program provides grants to eligible institutions of higher education to help them become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, management, and fiscal stability of the institution.
