CPE Awards UK, Other Schools, Student Success Grants

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 23,2019) — The University of Kentucky has been awarded a $25,000 Project Graduate Grant from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). The strategic funds will be used to boost degree completion of former students with 80 or more credit hours.

In total, $300,000 will be spread among six Kentucky campuses, to help students succeed in college.

UK will build off a successful pilot with the College of Arts and Sciences. The goal is to identify former students who qualify for the new Bachelor of Liberal Studies program and expand the model to other colleges.

“We are delighted to fund these high-impact proposals,” Aaron Thompson, president of CPE, said. “In times of scarce resources, targeting funds to support strategic programs can be a real game-changer for our students.”

Following a competitive review process, the council also awarded $50,000 Stronger by Degrees Student Success grants to Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Maysville Community and Technical College and Owensboro Community and Technical College. NKU will also receive a Project Graduate award of $25,000. The funds will be used to improve student progression and degree completion, with a special emphasis on low-income and underrepresented minority students.

The council issued a call for proposals last month. Both programs align to Thompson’s five key priorities and the metrics for Kentucky’s performance funding model.