YSU Receives Academic Grant from NCAA

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University received a $100,000 Accelerated Academic Success Program single-year grant for the 2021-22 school year to help student-athletes earn their degrees.

The NCAA awarded more than $1.2 million in initiative grants to 13 Division I schools to boost academic programs and initiatives, according to a press release.

The NCAA offers grants to eligible schools with limited resources to assist with creating programming and systems that will further the academic success of their student-athletes.

This meets the requirements of the Division I Academic Performance Program designed to ensure schools provide an environment that supports education while enhancing the ability of student-athletes to earn a degree.

Schools may use the grants in a variety of ways to boost academic learning and initiatives, which include renovations to academic support spaces, tutoring, technology enhancements [such as laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, etc.], summer school aid, student-athlete development [life skills and leadership programming], and professional development for staff.

Schools eligible to apply for the program do not have football teams that are eligible for postseason bowl games.

“The NCAA is committed to the academic success of student-athletes,” says Felicia Martin, interim NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. “We have witnessed the transformation that can occur when schools are provided the funding to support initiatives designed to enhance the academic experience of student-athletes.

“We are excited to see the positive impact that the AASP grant will have on each recipient’s campus and on the student-athletes at these schools.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.