Wilmington University is dedicated to finding ways to assist students in completing their degrees.
The College of Business (COB) is a trailblazer in the University’s Microgrant program, which helps students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial hurdles.
In partnership with the Student Outreach Office, the COB staff can identify students who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and 90 credits or more, but who have not attended school for two consecutive semesters. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences also was an early adopter.
“If students don’t progress because they don’t have the money for that last class or books, we can help them,” says COB Dean Dr. Kathy Kennedy-Ratajack. “Sometimes all it takes is a modest amount of money to make a significant difference for students working to complete their degrees and improve their lives.”
Microgrants have been given to eight of 10 potential applicants in the COB. The average grant is $1,300. So far, $10,700 has been awarded.
—Eileen Smith Sallabrida