J.F.Drake Technical College News October 19, 2010 $1.1 million Grant to Expand Student Services (HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA) - Drake State has been awarded a $1.1 million Student Support Services Federal Grant. This is a continual grant at $220,000 per year for five years. The grant makes it possible for the college to expand support services in such areas as counseling, academic advising, mentoring and tutorial services. The purpose of the Student Support Services Grant is to provide a solid framework of integrated, student-centered services to students who are low income, first generation students and students with disabilities. The overall goal is to increase the number of students who maintain good academic standing and are retained, graduate, and transfer to four-year institutions to pursue baccalaureate degrees. Studies show, first generation college students often arrive at the institution without the necessary prerequisite skills, supportive role models, and social competencies essential to graduate. The Student Support Services Grant program allows the college to employ additional staff members who can address these needs both through specifically designed programs as well as augment existing services. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.