The Title V Conexiones Grant is designed to foster student success and institutional transformation by addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of Hispanic and low-income students. This initiative focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive environment, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing student outcomes through intentional programming, professional development, and strategic use of data to inform practices.
The purpose of this grant is to increase retention and completion rates by creating a sense of belonging for underrepresented students, improving student engagement, and equipping students with the tools and resources to succeed academically and professionally. Through this project, SENMC will develop innovative practices, establish guided pathways, and enhance community partnerships to ensure long-term institutional and student success.
Strengthen Students’ Sense of Belonging and Success:
Create a Wellness and Success Center designed to meet the academic, socio-emotional, and holistic needs of Hispanic and low-income students.
Develop culturally responsive programming and services that foster inclusion and engagement to improve student persistence, retention, and overall achievement.
Enhance Professional Development and Guided Pathways Implementation:
Deliver targeted professional learning on the Guided Pathways framework to strengthen institutional support for Hispanic and low-income students.
Realign pedagogical practices and advising structures to better reflect regional workforce demands and cultural needs, ensuring students are prepared for meaningful careers.
Strengthen Institutional Fiscal Stability:
Establish stronger institutional practices in academic and career pathways advising tailored to the needs of Hispanic and low-income students.
Improve postsecondary outreach and engagement to connect students with resources and opportunities that support financial literacy, career readiness, and community resilience.
Build Data Capacity and Insight:
Implement systems for high-quality data collection and analysis, such as the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and an annually published Factbook.
Use data to gain deeper insights into student experiences, identify gaps in support, and refine strategies to improve Hispanic and low-income student persistence, retention, and post-graduation outcomes.
Outcomes and Impact
The Title V Conexiones Grant will empower SENMC to:
Enhance the physical and digital spaces available to students, creating welcoming and functional environments conducive to learning and collaboration.
Ensure over 90% of Hispanic and low-income students receive high-impact academic advising, career guidance, and access to holistic support services.
Strengthen institutional practices to better align with community and workforce needs, promoting long-term fiscal sustainability and resilience.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making that prioritizes student success and equity.
By combining inclusive spaces, intentional programming, and institutional capacity building, the Conexiones Project will serve as a transformative force in the lives of Hispanic and low-income students, ensuring they achieve their educational goals and thrive in their future endeavors.
