FAMU Athletics secures NCAA grant for academic success

Courtesy of Florida A&M University

Florida A&M (FAMU) Athletics is a recipient of the NCAA’s Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) single-year initiative grant for the 2024-25 academic year, receiving $87,000.

Spearheaded by Senior Associate Athletic Director & Senior Woman Administrator Brittney Johnson, FAMU was awarded $87,000, which requires a matching fund of $17,400 from the institution. Under Johnson’s guidance, the committee was comprised of Marquel Broussard (Athletic Administration), Gokhan Yilmaz (Head Volleyball Coach), Carrie Hickey, and Ronnie Mackey Jr. (Athletic Academic Support) to review historical data on APR and Graduation Success Rates, current FAMU APR trends and resources that will directly impact the student-athletes. The grant will ultimately assist in enhancing the student-athlete academic support area through technology upgrades, academic facility enhancements, and programming for our student-athletes.

“Serving in a role that directly impacts student-athlete success, we want to do everything we can to provide them the resources and support they need to succeed in the classroom and their respective field of play,” said Johnson. “Being able to secure these funds will positively impact FAMU Athletics in meeting the benchmarks set by the NCAA. I want to thank the former Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes for allowing me to lead this initiative.”

Established in 2012, the AASP assists Division I schools as they work to meet the NCAA’s academic standards. Over $1 million in AASP grants are awarded annually to colleges and universities with limited resources to support the academic success of student-athletes and increase graduation rates.

“The AASP grant is designed to assist with the recipients’ commitment to evolve student-athlete support services and to enhance the student-athlete experience,” said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement.

A selection committee made up of member school representatives awards the funding each year. To be eligible for AASP grants, schools must either be in the Football Championship Subdivision or not sponsor a football program. Schools may request and receive up to $100,000 and are required to match at least 20% of the awarded amount. The grants support school efforts to meet the requirements of the Division I Academic Performance Program, which ensures that student-athletes have access to an environment that promotes academic success. Funding may be used in a variety of ways, including academic facility enhancements, technology upgrades, professional development programming for staff, tutoring resources and student-athlete career development opportunities.