FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis will use a recently awarded $2.1 million Title III federal grant to create new opportunities for students to thrive in higher education.
The funds will go toward a Saint Francis five-year plan called Project Catalyst. Designed after a comprehensive analysis, Project Catalyst will address Saint Francis’ desire to increase support for low-income students, first-generation students, Black and Hispanic students and College of Health Sciences associate of science and exploratory healthcare students. The Title III grant will total $2,143,210 over the five years.
Among the improvements, Saint Francis will hire several positions that will directly support retention and persistence efforts for these students by developing summer bridge programming, student coaching, and career-focused guided degree pathways. Saint Francis will also use funds to offer culturally responsive professional development opportunities through a campus-wide professional mentoring program for faculty and staff.
“Our top priority at Saint Francis is to promote the best route to success for our students,” Saint Francis Interim President Dr. Lance Richey said. “Project Catalyst will help us deliver on our promise to help students who need additional support and opportunities to achieve academic and career goals. We are grateful for the awarding of this grant and look forward to seeing the positive impact Project Catalyst will make on our leaders of tomorrow.”
Saint Francis Dean of Student Academic Support Andrew Lehr will oversee Project Catalyst’s implementation. For more information, contact Lehr at alehr@sf.edu or 260-399-7700, ext. 6070.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.