The NCAA has announced the 11 Division I schools that will receive its Accelerating Academic Success Program grants for the 2023-24 academic year.
Established in 2012, the AASP assists Division I schools as they work to meet the NCAA's academic standards. Over $1 million in AASP grants are awarded annually to colleges and universities with limited resources to support the academic success of student-athletes and increase graduation rates.
"On behalf of the Committee on Academics, we congratulate this year's grant recipients," said Robert Davies, president of Central Michigan and chair of the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics. "Year after year, we continue to witness the tremendous impact this funding has on the collegiate experience of so many student-athletes. The Committee on Academics has and will continue to be champions of this very impactful program and are committed to its continued success."
The 11 recipient schools and awards for the 2023-24 academic year are:
- Austin Peay — $100,000.
- Fairleigh Dickinson — $100,000.
- Morehead State — $97,600.
- Nicholls State University — $100,000.
- Norfolk State — $100,000.
- North Carolina A&T — $99,875.
- Northwestern State — $100,000.
- South Carolina State — $95,500
- Saint Peter's — $100,000.
- Texas Southern — $100,000.
- Maryland Eastern Shore — $100,000.
"The AASP grant is designed to assist with the recipients' commitment to evolve student-athlete support services and to enhance the student-athlete experience," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "We are pleased to support the 2023-24 awards that will serve to fortify academic centers, invest in new technologies and help with a number of other critical services that will directly benefit student-athletes."
A selection committee made up of member school representatives awards the funding each year. To be eligible for AASP grants, schools must either be in the Football Championship Subdivision or not sponsor a football program. Schools may request and receive up to $100,000 and are required to match at least 20% of the awarded amount. All 11 schools to receive AASP grants for the 2023-24 academic year will receive the amount of funds they requested.
The grants support school efforts to meet the requirements of the Division I Academic Performance Program, which ensures that student-athletes have access to an environment that promotes academic success. Funding may be used in a variety of ways, including academic facility enhancements, technology upgrades, professional development programming for staff, tutoring resources and student-athlete career development opportunities.
