Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has been selected to receive Title III funding under the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) from the United States Department of Education.

The grant is for an estimated $2,250,000 over five years. The college is expected to receive $450,000 in the first year of the program, which began Oct. 1.

The Strengthening Institutions Program is to help colleges and universities better serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability.

LCCC’s project, “Pathways to Success for All Students,” will focus on helping students stay in school and complete their degrees, and it will enhance the use of data to make more informed decisions related to supporting student success.

Student success coaches and a career readiness coach will work with students.

In addition, funds will allow the college to examine the sequencing of mathematics courses and redesign math placement, with curricula aligned with career pathways. Instructional aides will work with students in developmental math courses, and students will participate in small-group recitation sessions with faculty to receive focused help.

A technology-enhanced classroom will complement these support strategies.

In addition, the college will provide more intense professional development for adjunct and part-time faculty. Faculty and staff will undergo cultural competency training.

Data reporting tools will help to improve communication with students and provide quicker access to student data reports to analyze performance gaps.

The project has goals, including to increase retention of first-time, full-time entering students who enroll in subsequent fall semesters, as well as increasing the three-year graduation rate.

“These funds will allow the college to implement strategies that we know will make an impact on student success,” said LCCC President Dr. Ann D. Bieber.

“Students who are struggling or who face additional challenges need more intrusive advising and a holistic approach, which will be possible with this funding. We want to ensure that students have all the tools they need to earn their degree, graduate and go on to pursue their dreams,” said Bieber.

“LCCC is one of our jewels of the 7th District, and I’m overjoyed to see them receive this well-deserved funding,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-7th).

“My work on the House Committee on Education and Labor has shown me just how vital our community colleges are in expanding access to higher education,” Wild said.

“LCCC’s Pathways to Success for All Students project is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to addressing barriers to academic success,” said Wild.

“The program will undoubtedly help many talented students over the finish line to their graduation, enabling them to achieve career and life goals and reach their full potential,” Wild said.