American International receives federal grant to support first-generation students

The U.S. Department of Education recently bestowed a $1.15 million Student Support Services grant to American International College (AIC) of Springfield, Massachusetts, to support its program for first-generation college students.

The AIC Core Education (ACE) program provides special tools and guidance to first-generation college students in an effort to help them succeed. The program is federally funded, with this grant being allocated over a five-year period.

There are 160 AIC students enrolled in the ACE program. Students stay in the program for all four years of college, with special courses for their first year and a continuing focus on community outreach. The school also helps students through guidance for using campus academic and social support services.

“AIC demonstrates its higher dedication to tomorrow’s graduate through its steadfast commitment to the intellectual, personal, and social growth of every scholar,” ACE program director Terrence O’Neill said. “The diversity of American International College’s student population is central to who we are. The ACE program is a microcosm of that diversity. The strength of this program can be found in the transformation of the individual student from the scared, uncertain freshman to the resourceful graduate. We celebrate successes all along the way up to the ultimate success, graduation.”