NATIONAL GRID FOUNDATION SUPPORTS PROJECT ACCESS

"I couldn't be more proud of the work that we are helping you all do."

With the support from a $25,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation, the Project Access program at St. Francis College celebrated the end of the semester for almost 40 rising sophomores as well as an additional 25 who are graduating as part of the Class of 2018.

(Watch the Project Access Celebration)

"We're very thankful for National Grid Foundation for helping us support our student goals," said Monica Michalski '01, Associate Dean of Student Success. "We're thankful to be in this space celebrating accomplishments and thinking about what we want to do to grow and develop and challenge ourselves in the next step."

During the ceremony April 26, 2018, some of the students were awarded $2,000 scholarships and $200 book vouchers as recognition for their hard work and motivation to keep them on track in their studies. St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz and Director of Academic Enhancement Justine Butler, who oversees the program, also spoke at the ceremony.

The goal of Project Access is to provide greater outreach and support for students who have a history of underperforming in academic situations. The program includes extra help in reading, writing, and critical thinking as well as close monitoring by advisors to make sure students have the resources they need to be successful.

"Often times I show up at these events and everyone is thanking us. The work that we do at the Foundation, the writing of the checks, the support that we give, and the grants, to me that's the easy part," said Ed White, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation. "The hard part is all the work you all are doing; that first year of college, that third year of college, what are you going to do after college... I couldn't be more proud of the work that we are helping you all do."

Project Access student Kailah Torres '19, a Criminal Justice Major shared some tips for the rising freshmen. She told them that they will go through hardships, and to be successful they will need to overcome those challenges. She also asked her fellow Terriers to trust their professors and to listen to their advice because "they actually want you to achieve your goals."

In addition to the support from the National Grid Foundation, Project Access also receives generous support from Northfield Bank Foundation, and the Staples Foundation.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu