Reynolds Receives $2.25 Million U.S. Department of Education Grant

Reynolds Community College was recently awarded a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education through its Title III Strengthening Institutions Program. The five year grant will fund a reengineering of the student experience at Reynolds aimed at increasing enrollment, persistence, retention, and graduation rates among the college’s underrepresented student population. Specifically, Reynolds will invest in developing robust academic program maps for students, focus on early momentum in Math and English classes, integrate holistic advising with comprehensive student supports, increase the college’s data capacity, and support its faculty with cutting edge professional development.

"Receiving this generous grant is a game-changer for Reynolds Community College. It enables us to amplify our most crucial initiatives – those that directly impact student success,” said Dr. Paula Pando, President of Reynolds. “This isn't just an investment in our institution; it's an investment in social and economic mobility for the entire community."

The Department of Education’s Title III program is a highly competitive grant process. Grantees must be institutions of higher education that serve high concentrations of economically-disadvantaged students. Title III enables eligible institutions to strengthen academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.

The grant comes on the heels of Reynolds joining Achieving the Dream (ATD) in 2022. ATD is the premier and largest network of community colleges that works with college leaders, faculty, and staff to ensure all students can access learning that propels them into rewarding careers, which in turn builds community vibrancy. The Department of Education grant will enable Reynolds to build on its ATD work and action plan and ensure each student reaches their academic goals through a cohesive and individually-designed college experience.