Rutgers–Camden Receives $2.9 Million Federal Grant to Enhance Student Success and Career Readiness
CAMDEN, N.J. – October 8, 2026: Rutgers University–Camden Division of Academic Success has been awarded a highly competitive Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, securing $582,037 annually for five years, for a total award of more than $2.9 million. The funding will support initiatives designed to strengthen academic quality, enhance institutional capacity, and improve student success outcomes.
"This award represents a significant investment in our students and in Rutgers–Camden's mission to create educational opportunity and economic mobility," said Marsha Lowery, vice chancellor for student academic success at Rutgers–Camden. "Through the Strengthening Institutions Program grant, we will be able to expand innovative programs and partnerships that help students persist, graduate, and successfully transition into meaningful careers. This funding allows us to build on our commitment to ensuring that every student has access to the resources, experiences, and support networks they need to thrive."
The Strengthening Institutions Program helps eligible colleges and universities expand their capacity to serve students from low-income backgrounds by supporting efforts that improve academic quality, institutional management, and student success. Institutions receiving SIP funding serve high percentages of low-income and Pell Grant-eligible students.
The grant will help launch Rutgers–Camden's Career Readiness and Internship Success Program (CRISP), an initiative designed to integrate career preparation throughout the undergraduate experience. Through expanded internships, mentoring, employer partnerships, and career coaching, CRISP will strengthen connections between academic programs and workforce opportunities while increasing student participation in high-impact experiences that support academic and professional success.
The project aims to improve retention and graduation rates, enhance workforce readiness, and create a sustainable, data-informed approach to career development and student success. Expected outcomes include increased participation in internships and mentoring, stronger career-readiness competencies, and higher rates of employment or graduate school enrollment after graduation.
"We are dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and professional goals," said Lowery. "This grant allows us to expand on proven strategies and develop new approaches that prepare students not only to graduate, but to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce."
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