PASSHE Program Helps First-Generation and Low-Income Students Graduate

New 'MAPS' program, supported by the Posner Foundation, targets the make-or-break first to second year transition

HARRISBURG, PA - Six universities in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) are launching a coordinated program to help first-generation and low-income students successfully transition from their first to second year of college - the point where these students are most likely to drop out.

The program, Mastering Academic and Professional Systems (MAPS), is funded by a $250,000, two-year grant from the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh to PASSHE Foundation. Participating universities are Indiana University of Pennsylvania, PennWest University, Slippery Rock University, Shippensburg University, Millersville University and East Stroudsburg University.

Succeeding in college requires more than passing courses. Students must understand financial aid, advising, registration and campus life. For students who are the first in their families to attend college, navigating these systems can be challenging.

MAPS makes those systems understandable to students. Each participating university will enroll a cohort of 12 first-year students - 72 students across the six campuses - into a structured, yearlong program of monthly cohort meetings, faculty and staff mentoring, financial-navigation coaching (including FAFSA renewal) and experiential activities that connect students to campus resources.

"PASSHE universities are committed to helping every student finish their degree," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "Students do their best work when they are not left guessing. We want every student, in and out of the classroom, to have the information and support they need to focus on learning, finishing their degree and preparing for what comes next. Programs like this help our students to get the support they need."

Nearly 80% of PASSHE students return for their second year, a critical milestone on the path to graduation. MAPS aims to strengthen student retention by providing additional support to first-year students and developing approaches that could be expanded to other PASSHE universities to help more students stay enrolled and earn degrees.

"Every student who stays enrolled and earns a degree is a nurse, an engineer, a teacher or an entrepreneur that Pennsylvania's economy needs. The first year is where we lose too many of them," said PASSHE Foundation CEO Shelley Scherer. "MAPS keeps first-generation and low-income students on track to finish - and when they finish, they stay, work and build careers in the communities and industries that depend on them. That's a direct investment in Pennsylvania's workforce and its future."

The program is led by Kalani Palmer, a professor of professional studies in education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She will coordinate curriculum, professional development and evaluation across the six campuses. As part of the grant, a training course will be created for faculty and staff focused on making higher education more transparent, equitable and accessible. Participants will earn a certificate and digital badge upon completion of the training. The training will serve as an enduring product of the grant that can be offered and expanded to other institutions.

"Getting students to college is only the first step. Helping them navigate challenges, build connections, and feel supported is essential to their success. MAPS gives students the tools and confidence to stay on track, earn their degrees, and pursue the opportunities that follow. The Posner Foundation is proud to support this effort," said Anne Molloy, a trustee of the Posner Foundation.

About PASSHE
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is Pennsylvania's public university system, with a mission to provide high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students. State System universities award more than 20,000 degrees each year and have more than 800,000 living alumni, most of whom live in Pennsylvania.

The State System universities are Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, PennWest University, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

About PASSHE Foundation
PASSHE Foundation drives innovations in talent strategy, delivers labor market insights to inform academic decisions, and invests in opportunities that help students complete their education and launch careers. Through these efforts, PASSHE Foundation benefits PASSHE's 10 universities, its students and Pennsylvania's employers by forging partnerships and raising funds that deliver a stronger workforce and a more competitive commonwealth.