Florida International University chosen for $100,000 “Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award”

MIAMI — May 14, 2009 — Florida International University has been selected by the Institute for Higher Education Policy to receive a Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award-a $100,000 grant to help build on FIU’s demonstrated successes in enrolling, retaining, and graduating first-generation college students. FIU was one of only 15 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) selected through a highly competitive application process to strengthen efforts to support first-generation students. 

“FIU is honored to be selected as one of only a few outstanding higher education institutions nationwide to receive the Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award,” said FIU President Modesto A. Maidique. “Thanks, and in part to this award, we will be able to enhance and expand our work with first-generation students.” 

Cohorts of 150 first-generation, first-year students will participate in pilot math-intensive First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) intended to apply and assess best practices in mathematics education. A Faculty Learning Community (FLC) will convene regularly to improve best practices and pedagogies for teaching gateway mathematics courses and addressing first-generation students’ learning needs.  Anticipated outcomes include an increase in one-year retention for freshmen, an increase in persistence from sophomore to junior year, an increase in timely graduation, and faculty development in best practices of mathematics education. 

“We are excited to be working with such a diverse group of minority-serving institutions focused on improving the success of this critical student group,” said IHEP President Michelle Asha Cooper. “Their planned initiatives demonstrate a long-term commitment to first generation student success that builds on their well-established mission to retain and graduate underserved student populations.” 

“The Wal-Mart Foundation is committed to helping our nation’s young adults live better – supporting programs that provide access to higher education is a key part of our commitment,” said Margaret McKenna, President of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “We are confident that our partnership with the Institute for Higher Education Policy and minority-serving institutions will positively impact many first-generation college students and assure their academic success. 

Approximately 41 percent of students enrolled at MSIs are first-generation, compared to 30 percent of students at predominately white institutions. Because of their overrepresentation of first-generation students, MSIs are ideally situated to improve retention and persistence gaps for these students.   

The Wal-Mart College Success Awards program is administered by the Institute for Higher Education Policy and made possible by a generous $4.2 million grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The 14 other winners include: Bennett College for Women (NC); California State University-Fresno; Claflin University (SC); Colorado State University-Pueblo; La Guardia Community College (NY);  Mount St. Mary’s College (CA); Navajo Technical College (NM); Norfolk State University (VA); Northwest Indian College (WA); Salish Kootenai College (MT); Spelman College (GA); Tennessee State University; University of the District of Columbia; and University of the Incarnate Word (TX).  

IHEP will select a second cohort of Wal-Mart Minority Student Success institutions in spring 2010.  For more information about the initiative and grantees, visit the IHEP website at http://www.ihep.org/walmartminoritystudents.cfm .

 Media contact: Madeline Baró at 305-348-2234. 

-FIU-

About The Institute for Higher Education Policy
The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is an independent, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to increasing access and success in postsecondary education around the world. Established in 1993, the Washington, D.C.-based organization uses unique research and innovative programs to inform key decision makers who shape public policy and support economic and social development. IHEP’s web site, www.Ihep.org, features an expansive collection of higher education information available free of charge and provides access to some of the most respected professionals in the fields of public policy and research.  

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Wal-Mart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org

About FIU:
Florida International University was founded in 1965 and is Miami’s only public research university. With a student body of more than 38,000, FIU graduates more Hispanics than any other university in the country. Its 17 colleges and schools offer more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations and law. FIU has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a “High Research Activity University.” In 2006 FIU was authorized to establish a medical school, which will welcome its first class in 2009. FIU’s College of Law recently received accreditation in the fastest time allowed by the American Bar Association.