Program Components

Programs funded by Campus Access and Success Grants are intended to be new initiatives that support student recruitment, retention, success, and graduation rates through campus engagement, academic support, identity development, and developing a sense of belonging.

Strong Proposals and Programs:

will include a comprehensive assessment of student learning outcomes; alignment with the University and campus strategic planning and equity, respect, and belonging goals; responsible stewardship of grant money; collaborations with campus partners; and use of existing University resources.

Funded initiatives must demonstrate the ability to address the following:

  • College access: recruitment and retention
  • College transition: sense of belonging, identity as a scholar and Penn State student
  • College success: academic performance, persistence to graduation

New initiatives and programs may include but are not limited to:

  • Assessment of student readiness
  • Summer pre-orientation or summer bridge programs
  • Peer mentorship
  • Faculty mentorship
  • Living-Learning Program (funding may be used to support programmatic elements, may not assist with room and board costs)
  • Cohort-based seminar to build academic skills, including time management, studying, writing skills, analytical skills (funding may be used to support programmatic elements, may not be applied toward instructor salaries or tuition)
  • Community engagement and activities (on and off campus) to encourage sense of belonging (funding may be used to purchase tickets and provide transportation, limited funding for food)
  • Service-learning programs (including alternative break trips)
  • Academic coaching or advising (on-campus only, may not be used toward external organizations, online services, or vendors; may not be used for salaries or stipends)
  • Academic planning, financial literacy, career development
  • Family engagement
  • Identity development, reflection, self-awareness, and self-advocacy programs

Program costs often must be shared with the campus or external funding sources, and programs should make use of existing campus resources, services, and programs. New initiatives funded by a Campus Access and Success Grant that prove to be successful should, in time, be supported by the regular operating budget or through external funding sources. The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity will fund ongoing projects for a period not to exceed five years, and a new proposal and program evaluation must be submitted each year to receive funding consideration. After five years, funding will not be provided even if program support has not shifted to the unit or external sources.