St. Joseph’s University, New York is proud to announce that it was recently awarded a $2.1 million grant from the Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), also known as Title III. Over the next five years, funds from the grant will support initiatives designed to strengthen student success and enhance academic opportunities across the University’s Brooklyn and Long Island campuses.
These efforts include initiatives designed to improve student retention and graduation rates, redesign and revitalize the University’s First Year Experience (FYE) program, and expand internships, experiential learning and career opportunities. Resources will also be used to strengthen partnerships with SJNY’s alumni network to provide additional career support for students.
This latest grant has generated excitement among SJNY’s staff, alumni and faculty about the University’s future. It also reinforces the University’s commitment to intellectual rigor, integrity, spiritual depth, social responsibility and service — core values, or pillars, SJNY seeks to instill in every incoming class of students.
“This funding provides an incredible opportunity for St. Joseph’s and is a testament to the level of commitment each student receives from our faculty and staff,” said SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.
He continued, “This was a forward-thinking, thorough and detail-oriented proposal, and the funding we have received reflects the collaborative, high-quality work of everyone involved. We are excited to embark on the development of new initiatives, as well as expand our current initiatives, to continue providing the necessary support to help students achieve their goals.”
The next five years will see leaders across the University collaborate with the office of Alumni Engagement, and Career Preparation and Professional Development to develop new resources to guide students through their time at SJNY.
“We are beyond grateful for this funding and the opportunities it will provide for our student-centered programs on both campuses,” said Janelle Hill, associate vice president for student life on the Long Island Campus. “For the Office of Student Life, the grant will support the enhancement of the FYE program by establishing robust training and ongoing support for FYE instructors, launching a formal integrated peer mentorship program and improving alignment between FYE and faculty-led initiatives.
“We will also be embedding career orientation and high-impact practices right from the student’s entry point to increase undergraduate first-to-second year retention and build a foundation for long-term academic and post-graduation success.”
