Mercy University wins $3 million federal grant for student success initiative

Mercy University will receive nearly $3 million from the U.S. Department of Education over five years to expand career readiness, faculty training and AI integration for low-income students. The initiative is designed to improve retention, degree completion and job preparation as employers adopt more AI-driven tools.

Why it matters: - Mercy University’s grant is aimed at helping low-income and first-generation students stay in school, finish degrees and move into careers that now require stronger tech and AI skills. - The five-year effort could affect how the university designs courses, supports students and connects classroom learning to employers.

What happened: - Mercy University was selected for a Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. - The university will receive $614,939 in the first year. - Total funding is expected to reach $2,999,946 over five years. - The grant supports a new initiative called FORWARD: Future-Oriented Readiness through Workforce-Aligned, AI-Enhanced Redesign and Development. - The program is based in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and targets student success through career readiness and AI-enhanced technology integration.

The details: - FORWARD is built around three main areas: faculty development, a Solutions Lab and AI integration. - Faculty will get training to redesign courses using evidence-based approaches that connect learning to career competencies, real-world experiences and changing industry needs. - The Solutions Lab will give students a hands-on space to work on real business challenges with employers while still enrolled. - Faculty and students will learn to use artificial intelligence tools effectively. - The university says the initiative will promote retention and degree completion through evidence-based learning experiences and stronger engagement with peers, faculty and support networks. - Dr. Stuart Sidle will oversee the initiative as project director. - Dr. Leigh M. Tolley, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, will lead faculty training. - Dr. Kafui Kouakou, vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Development, will oversee the Solutions Lab. - Eldrid Sequeira, associate vice president of Innovation and Analytics, will lead AI integration across teaching and learning.

Between the lines: - The grant reflects a broader shift in higher education toward tying academics more directly to workforce outcomes. - Mercy University is also signaling that AI literacy is becoming a core part of career preparation, not just an optional skill. - The cross-functional structure suggests the university wants the effort embedded across teaching, career services and technology, rather than limited to one department.

What's next: - Mercy University will begin the five-year FORWARD rollout with first-year federal funding of $614,939. - Faculty training, employer-connected projects and AI adoption are expected to expand as the grant progresses. - The university says the initiative is intended to benefit the broader campus community, not only students directly enrolled in the program.

The bottom line: - Mercy University is using federal funding to link student support, career readiness and AI training into one campuswide strategy for low-income student success. - For more information, visit Mercy University.