The Maryland Higher Education Commission recently announced the new Maryland College Access Challenge Grant – Higher Education Student Persistence Program.  This program will provide grant funding to public or independent two- or four-year institutions of higher education for college completion and persistence services aimed at helping low income, under-represented and/or at-risk students.

Higher Education institutions, or partnerships between a lead higher education institution and non-profits, are encouraged to apply for funds to support evidence-based services and activities.  The target student populations are low income students and may include traditional aged students, adult learners, minorities, first-generation, ESOL, and other underrepresented and/or at-risk student groups.

All accredited Maryland public or independent two- or four-year institutions of higher education are eligible. Partnerships between a lead higher education institution and a non-profit organization are welcome.

The project period should be between March 3, 2014 – April 3, 2015 and the maximum award amount is $90,000 per institution.  Applications are due January 21, 2014.  For  more information, see the Maryland Higher Education Commission.