The grants help schools improve the academic success of
their student-athletes. The goal is to
support the school’s efforts to meet the requirements of the Division I
Academic Performance Program, which was developed to ensure schools provide an
environment that supports education while enhancing the ability of
student-athletes to earn a degree.
The comprehensive grants will be distributed over a
three-year period and used to fund increased academic support services staffing
and space; technology upgrades (software and hardware); career planning;
professional development; and increased availability of summer financial aid
for student-athletes.
Schools can request a maximum of $300,000 per year for three
years. The participating schools are required to match grant dollars each year
of the program, with either direct funds and/or in-kind contributions. In the
first year, the school must commit a 25-percent match, 50 percent in year two
and 75 percent in year three.