MMU Receives Grant to Enhance College Completion Program

Grant to Enhance College Completion Program

MILWAUKEE (September 3, 2013) - Mount Mary University has received a $209,500 grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation (Great Lakes) to support its Promise Plus Project which provides comprehensive non-academic assistance to first-generation and low income students so they're able to remain in college and earn their undergraduate degree. The Project assists students with issues such as financial challenges; lack of connection with other students; lack of social, cultural or family support; and unclear or misinformed major and career choices.

"First-generation students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds face a host of challenges that can cause them to withdraw from college," stated Nicole Gahagan, Acting Dean for Student Affairs. "With the generous funding from Great Lakes we'll be able to provide valuable services and resources that will help these students stay in school and complete their degrees," she added.

Mount Mary University is one of 28 organizations in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin to receive a College Success grant for the 2013-14 academic year. Since 2006, Great Lakes has committed nearly $88 million in funding to programs that support disadvantaged students who start and complete a postsecondary degree or certificate.

For more information on Mount Mary's Promise Plus Project, or the Promise Program, contact Nicole Gahagan at 414-258-4810 ext. 211, gahagann@mtmary.edu, or visit http://www.mtmary.edu/promise_program.htm.

About Great Lakes and Community Investments

Knowing that education has the power to change lives for the better, Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates helps millions of students pay for college and repay their student loans. Through Community Investments, Great Lakes leads initiatives and funds programs that help students from traditionally underserved backgrounds start and complete a two- or four-year degree or other credential. Since 2006, Great Lakes has committed more than $88 million in funding to programs that share these goals. For additional information, visit mygreatlakes.org/community.