Apr 8

Apr 8 Prince George’s Community College Receives $3.7 Million Grant

Five-year Grant Funds New Summer Institute Offering Preparation For Academic Courses And Life Skills Training, Along With Expanded Mentoring To Ensure Student Success

A nearly $4 million federal grant will be made available to students at Prince George’s Community College.

Prince George's Community College (PGCC) has received a $3.7 million PBI (Predominantly Black Institution) grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will expand opportunities and success for Black students.

The five-year grant will fund the College’s R.I.S.E. (Reach. Inspire. Success. Evolve.) Program, $748,336 each year, through September 30, 2026.

"Student success is our highest priority here at Prince George's Community College," said President Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D. "This grant allows us to implement a program of case management advising and support on a much larger scale than was previously possible within this institution. The impact on our Black student participants promises to be life-changing."

The purpose of the federal PBI grants are to plan, develop, undertake, and implement programs to enhance their capacity to serve more low- and middle-income African American students; expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education; and strengthen the financial ability of the institution to serve the academic needs of their students.

At PGCC, the grant funding will support a new summer institute that will prepare black students for success with free credit courses, including entrance exam preparation and life skills training. The grant will also enable the college to expand its two mentoring programs for black students. The Diverse Male Student Initiatives (DMSI) program helps men focus their energy on self-improvement and prepares them for community involvement and leadership roles. The Women of Wisdom (W.O.W.) program provides opportunities for individuals who self-identify as women, enhancing their academic, personal, and professional development in a holistic environment.

“The PBI grant will support DMSI's retention efforts by increasing its capacity to serve a larger threshold of students through increased staffing, academic tutoring, and increased enrichment programming,” said Program Manager Brian Hamlin.

“The W.O.W. program cultivates a safe place for women to be their authentic selves. Its framework was built on helping women overcome barriers which impact their overall development,” says Stephanie Pair, Ed.D., program manager. “One of the rich benefits of this grant is that it affords us the opportunity to expand personal, academic, and job-to-career resources and services for our students.”

The summer institute will provide credit courses with academic and non-academic support programs. Included will be entrance exam prep instruction, life skills training, academic and career advising, coaching, and internships and apprenticeships. In addition, college tours, and various other support services will be offered to ensure that Prince George’s Community College’s Black students can successfully achieve their goals.

R.I.S.E. is expected to increase black student enrollment and graduation rates at Prince George's Community College as more students find greater success through the system of support, mentoring, and enrichment that it funds.