More Than 1,200 Students Enrolled in Summer Scholarship Program

Fayetteville State University (FSU) Chancellor Darrell T. Allison offered students the opportunity to attend summer school free of charge. As of Wednesday, June 2, more than 1,200 students accepted the offer and are enrolled at no cost to them.

”This is the beginning of FSU's intentional efforts to strengthen retention metrics and provide students with the best opportunities to persist and graduate in a timely manner. I am thrilled that we met and exceeded our Summer School enrollment goals, and that more than 1,200 students are closer to achieving their academic goals,” said Monica T. Leach, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

In April, Chancellor Allison announced the summer scholarship program that was designed to make sure students have all the resources necessary to stay on track towards timely graduation. The scholarship pays summer school tuition for up to two courses and room and board for students who have fallen behind.

”The retention of students is one of my top priorities,” Chancellor Allison said when announcing the program. ”I am committed to providing our students with the support and resources needed for their success. We want to make certain that we remove the many obstacles they face, as they work to reach their educational goals.”

The summer school program gives undergraduate students who are falling behind an opportunity to catch up by earning three to seven credits in summer school. The goal is to break up the four-year journey for undergraduates into yearly targets. The university found that, if an undergrad can complete 30 credits toward graduation in an academic year, it dramatically improves their chances of graduating on time. Moreover, FSU will be able to have up to 75 incoming freshmen students to participate in its Learning and Engagement at an Accelerated Pace (LEAP) Scholars Program. LEAP is a summer program that includes courses in English and math, comprehensive academic support, and engaging co-curricular activities. The LEAP Scholars Program is free for in-state participants.

Federal relief funds related to the pandemic are covering the cost of the summer school initiative, which will be about $4.7 million. The program covers the cost of two courses, textbook rental, and room and board (meals) for students depending upon the eligibility of the student.