AIC Shares in Career Prep Grant

Funds will be used to create career pathways in four-year degree programs

American International College (AIC) is launching a new initiative that strengthens its commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers. The College is among ten member institutions to benefit from a three-year $2.5 million dollar grant awarded to the Yes We Must Coalition (YWMC) by Ascendium Education Group and will use the funds to integrate career preparation into its four-year degree programs. AIC will receive $25,000 per year over three years for a total of $75,000.

This grant, titled “Addressing Inequity in College Retention of Low-Income Students: Collaboratively Creating Pathways to Careers in Four-Year Degree Programs,” will provide AIC with resources to implement new curricular and co-curricular strategies aimed at promoting career readiness. The award will support a partnership among AIC, Jobs for the Future (JFF), and Sova Solutions, to ensure that students from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed in their chosen fields.

The integration of career preparation into AIC’s four-year degree programs is a groundbreaking step that recognizes the evolving demands of the employment market. By aligning academic coursework with real-world skills, students will be better equipped to navigate their future careers upon graduation. This comprehensive approach to education will empower AIC students to not only excel academically but also thrive in the professional realm. The degree programs slated for redesign include psychology, biology, business, sociology, theater, and criminal justice.

Through the support of YWMC, AIC will forge innovative pathways that address the challenges faced by low-income students in college retention. The grant’s focus on equity further demonstrates the College’s commitment to ensuring that every student has access to the resources necessary for long-term success.

AIC President Hubert Benitez, DDS, PhD, expressed his enthusiasm for this transformative opportunity. “We are thrilled to be one of the institutions benefiting from this significant grant. The integration of career preparation into our degree programs aligns perfectly with our mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and productive careers. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our students’ educational experiences and empower them to thrive in an ever-changing job market.”

Alongside AIC, the participating YWMC member institutions receiving the grant are Augsburg University (MN), Benedict College (SC), Calumet College of St. Joseph (IN), Mars Hill University (NC), Mercy College (NY), Saint Elizabeth University (NJ), Trocaire College (NY), Union College (KY), and Villa Maria College (NY).

Read more about the grant in this story on MassLive.