What is Title III?

“The purpose of the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program is to provide grants to eligible institutions of higher education to improve their academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability in order to increase their self-sufficiency and strengthen their capacity to make a substantial contribution to the higher education resources of the Nation.” (34 CFR 607.1)

In Fall 2023, Stark State College was awarded a 5-year, $2.15 million Title III, Part A Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve student retention and degree completion.

Program Summary and Activities

The overarching goal of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Success (IDEAS) Project is to improve rates of retention and degree completion through strengthened academic support services that target underprepared and minority students. The specific tasks aimed at achieving the activity objectives of the IDEAS Project are as follows:

• Implement a comprehensive and intrusive student retention program that responds to individual needs and monitors progress and completion.
• Create an Office of Student Life, Equity, and Leadership Programs that links student needs and success barriers to appropriate supports and services.
• Expand faculty/staff training focused on student success, retention, and achievement.

The Title III Strengthening Institutions program helps eligible higher education institutions expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability.

Team Structure

Resources

• SSC Title III Project Administration Manual
• US Department of Education