A&T Selected for Latest Student Success Equity Intensive Program Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 19, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is among the eight new member institutions the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has selected 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, bringing the total number of participating institutes to 60.

“North Carolina A&T State University remains on the cutting edge of initiatives, services and programs dedicated to the academic and career success of our student during matriculation and beyond,” said Dawn M. Nail, Ed.D., Center for Academic Success executive director in the University Student Success Office. “We are proud to have been selected to participate in this year’s cohort of the SSEI, and look forward to receiving the additional resources that will have a significant impact on our current and future students.”

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.”

AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.