Thanks to a significant boost in funding, Roosevelt University will be able to accelerate academic and career pathways for Hispanic students. As a Hispanic-serving institution — with over 35% of undergraduates and 28% of its total student population identifying as Hispanic or Latino — Roosevelt was eligible for a recent $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which specifically aims to strengthen educational access for these groups.
The funding supports a new program called Navegando Hacia el Éxito, or Navigating Towards Success, an initiative focused on creating inclusive, supportive spaces where Hispanic students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
A significant focus of Navegando Hacia el Éxito is giving students the opportunity to complete advanced degrees more affordably and efficiently. For example, they will be able to apply certain master’s degree credits toward doctoral programs at Roosevelt, reducing both the time and cost needed to achieve these high-level qualifications.
Among the pathways offered through this initiative are accelerated programs in clinical psychology that count toward a doctor of psychology (PsyD), and advanced courses in information technology and data science that are applicable toward a PhD in information technology. Roosevelt plans to expand faculty in these areas to provide specialized guidance and support.
Beyond academics, the university is also able to establish a Graduate Resource Center, a dedicated space where students can seek assistance with everything from resume writing to preparing for interviews. The center will provide access to internships and industry connections in fields like education, medicine, clinical psychology, and technology.— professions where Hispanic and low-income students have often faced barriers to entry.
Mike Maly, interim provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, said in a statement, “Roosevelt is committed to equity and ensuring that underserved populations have access to education and careers they want to pursue. … This grant will bolster our already exceptional STEM programs and professional development services, and we’re thrilled that these funds will help us further assist [our] exceptionally diverse student population.”
By working to close representation gaps in advanced degrees and indemand fields, efforts like Navegando Hacia el Éxito are not only increasing opportunities for students today but also helping shape a more dynamic workforce for the future.
