UM-Flint receives MiLEAP Quick Start and Barrier Removal grants to support student success initiatives UM-Flint NOW

The University of Michigan-Flint has been awarded $252,012 from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential through its Student Success Grant program. The program is part of a new $45 million student success effort, which marks the state's first-ever grant program aimed at increasing student success rates at Michigan community and tribal colleges and universities.

The university was awarded the Quick Start and Barrier Removal – Direct to Students grants and is in the process of applying for the College Success and Barrier Removal – Growing Institutional Capacity grants.

The grants will be used to partner with the Hope Center at Temple University to assess and meet students' basic needs at UM-Flint, directly supporting student success and increasing degree completion.

"We are honored to receive this funding, which will allow UM-Flint to further invest in our students and remove the barriers many face along their academic journeys," said Christopher Giordano, vice chancellor for student affairs. "These grants will help us ensure that more of our students have the tools, direct assistance and support they need to thrive and successfully complete their degrees."

UM-Flint will use the funding to remove financial and logistical barriers for students. These efforts align with the state's ambitious Sixty by 30 goal of having 60% of working-age adults obtain a college degree or skill certificate by 2030.

Key initiatives supported by the grants include:

Student Basic Needs Survey-administer, collect and analyze student needs data.
Comprehensive Basic Needs Plan-develop a plan to improve students' basic needs' security and well-being.
Utilization and Data Tracking System-provide direct assistance to students in support of food and transportation needs, housing insecurity, daycare costs and other unmet living expenses.

"MiLEAP is proud to partner with our state's institutions of higher education to support innovative programs that improve student success and postsecondary credential attainment, as we work together to meet Michigan's Sixty by 30 goal," said Beverly Walker-Griffea, MiLEAP director. "Grant recipients demonstrated through a competitive process that they are committed to supporting their students on their path to prosperity, and we are eager to see the impact on campuses across the state for years to come."

The grants are part of a broader state strategy to fund opportunities for public colleges and universities to change institutional practices that will dramatically increase student graduation rates. UM-Flint is one of several institutions across the state receiving funding to implement innovative programs that empower student success.

With the Quick Start grant, the university has partnered with The Hope Center at Temple University to address student basic needs insecurities on campus. This collaboration is part of a nationwide initiative involving more than 500 colleges and universities and more than 500,000 students, making it the country's largest and most comprehensive basic needs survey ever.

The Hope Center's Student Basic Needs Survey, now open to all currently enrolled UM-Flint students who are 18 and older, aims to raise awareness about the types and prevalence of basic needs insecurities among college students. The data collected will be used to directly assist students facing challenges.

Incentives for Early Participation

To encourage participation, the university is offering incentives to students who complete the survey:

$10 in Maize Money for surveys completed by Oct. 6.
$5 in Maize Money for surveys completed between Oct. 7-Nov. 4.

Survey Details

Open to all currently enrolled UM-Flint students 18 and older.
Closing date: Nov. 4.
Information sent to students via email and text.

"This initiative underscores UM-Flint's commitment to understanding and addressing the basic needs of its student population," said Lisa Sancrant, senior director of student health and wellness. "The actionable data gathered from this survey will play a crucial role in shaping future support programs and resources for students."

Students are encouraged to check their university email and text messages for more information about participating in this important survey. The results of the survey will determine how the funds awarded for the Barrier Removal-Direct to Student grant will be utilized.

"The MiLEAP grants represent a significant milestone in the institution's ongoing efforts to support student success and contribute to the Sixty by 30 goal. By addressing the fundamental needs of its students, UM-Flint is not only working towards increasing graduation rates but also investing in the future workforce of Michigan," said Giordano. "This holistic approach to student success aligns with the state's goals and sets a new standard for supporting students throughout their academic journeys."