Academic Support Program Awarded Funding
Published 12.19.1998
Pennsylvania College of Technology's Act 101 program has received $132,672 in grant funding through Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program (Act 101) monies. With the College contributing matching funds of $48,158, the project's budget totals $180,830 for the 1998-99 academic year.
Act 101 assists economically and educationally disadvantaged Pennsylvania residents and aims to increase the students' likelihood of successful completion of their studies. Assistance provided to eligible students includes tutoring services, social activities, and academic, career and personal counseling. Although economically and educationally disadvantaged, the students are highly motivated.
Dr. Mary Sullivan, director of Academic Support Services at Penn College, states, "Many of our students come to us unsure of their place in the College or doubting if they even belong in college. We attempt to give them insight into the strengths they possess, while helping them remediate their academic weaknesses so that they may go on to become successful students and ultimately, successful graduates."
Last year, 20 percent more students than the previous year received tutoring through Act 101. The initiative boasted a student retention rate of 85 percent. Thirty-one percent of program participants earned a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
"In addition to tangible services such as tutoring and counseling, Act 101 offers students an opportunity to become a part of a community of mutual support within the larger college community," Sullivan added.