The NCAA has announced the 13 Division I schools that will receive its Accelerated Academic Success Program grants for the 2022-23 academic year.
The NCAA annually awards more than $1 million in AASP grants to colleges and universities with limited resources to help boost academic programs and initiatives, which tie to graduation and the overall success of its student-athletes. Most schools that receive funding are in the Football Championship Subdivision, though some programs do not sponsor football.
The 13 recipient schools and awards are:
- Austin Peay State University** — $38,000.
- California State University, Northridge** — $75,000.
- Cleveland State University* — $100,000.
- Coppin State University** — $95,000.
- Delaware State University* — $100,000.
- Indiana State University** — $99,360.
- Nicholls State University** — $100,000.
- Norfolk State University** — $100,000.
- Southeastern Louisiana University* — $100,000.
- Saint Peter's University** — $100,000.
- Tennessee State University** — $62,400.
- Texas Southern University** — $82,125.
- University of Tennessee at Martin** — $75,373.
*first-time recipient /**repeat recipient
"We are excited to announce and congratulate the 2022-23 recipients of the Accelerating Academic Success Award," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "Previous grant recipients used the funding to make significant strides toward enhancing their student-athlete services and enriching the student-athlete experience. Each campus recipient clearly stated a commitment to invest in resources and to evolve services to support student-athletes' educational experience and their academic success."
The AASP was established in 2012 by the NCAA Executive Committee, which is now the Board of Governors. AASP schools may request up to $100,000 in single-year grants. Schools are required to match at least 20% of the funds and provide a detailed explanation of how the funds will be used. The grants can be used toward progress toward the benchmarks in the Division I Academic Performance Program, which ensures a campus environment that supports education and raises the academic success level for student-athletes. The AASP awarded multiple-year grants in the past but has put that portion of the program on hold until further review.
A selection committee made up of member school representatives awards the funding each year. Schools begin submitting their grant requests in February, with a May deadline. Schools are also required to complete a final report at the conclusion of the academic year.
Schools have used the grants in a variety of ways, including the renovation of academic support areas, tutoring, training, technology support, summer school aid, professional development of the academic staff, student-athlete support and life skills development. Schools have also requested funds to aid with student-athlete mental health, which could correlate to their academic success.
The NCAA also sponsors an AASP Student-Athlete Career Development Award honoring two student-athletes from AASP schools each year.
