Stevens Institute of Technology recognised by Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies today recognized Stevens Institute of Technology as an American Talent Initiative (ATI) High-Flier, a group of 28 high-graduation-rate institutions that are national leaders in college access and success for lower-income students. Stevens Institute of Technology received the distinction for its steady gains in lower-income student enrollment since 2015-16, and innovative recruitment, enrollment, and retention practices. Over the next year, ATI and Bloomberg Philanthropies will work with High-Fliers to amplify what they have learned to other four-year colleges and universities across the nation. The full list of ATI’s 28 High-Fliers is listed below.
An initiative led by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R, ATI serves as a growing nationwide alliance of high-graduation-rate colleges and universities grounded in the belief that they can collectively expand access for tens of thousands of high-achieving, lower-income students. By doing so, these institutions are increasing socioeconomic diversity within their respective student communities.
“The economic fallout from the pandemic has made it even more important for schools across the country to adopt innovative new ways to attract and retain students from under-represented backgrounds,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City. “I applaud ATI’s 28 High-Fliers for leading the way in this work and increasing the diversity of their campuses. We hope their efforts serve as an example for other schools that are committed to creating opportunity for more lower-income students, so we can accelerate national progress on this critical challenge.”
Since ATI’s launch in 2016, Stevens Institute of Technology has been one of the five fastest growers in Pell enrollment among the 137 members of ATI.
Stevens has achieved this through its Accessing Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES) initiative, partnering with high schools in underserved communities to provide educational support for students, school counselors and STEM teachers, as well as scholarships for students to attend Stevens’ summer pre-college programs. ACES students who go on to pursue a degree at Stevens continue to receive both academic and financial assistance. The program received the 2019 Innovation in Education Award from the NJ Tech Council, as well as the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Award.
“At Stevens Institute of Technology, we are honored to be an ATI member and embrace the Accelerating Opportunity campaign. Our commitment to this initiative aligns with Stevens’ mission to increase lower-income students’ participation in STEM education,” said Dr. Nariman Farvardin, President of Stevens Institute of Technology. “I am particularly proud that Stevens has been one of ATI’s highest-performing members, making significant progress in Pell enrollment since 2015. We recognize the importance of fostering access and providing support to low- and moderate-income students who demonstrate exceptional talent and potential. Through our collaboration with ATI and our fellow member institutions, we can ensure that these students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed in higher education and beyond.”
“An example of Stevens Institute of Technology’s commitment to ATI’s Accelerating Opportunity campaign is our ACES program,” said David Zeng, Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Faculty Affairs at Stevens Institute of Technology. “Stevens ACES introduces talented students with financial need, particularly URM students, to college life, inspires them to pursue STEM education and provides financial and academic support.
Initiatives like ACES have helped driveStevens Institute of Technology’s renewed commitment to this work. Along with their fellow ATI members, they set public, aspirational lower-income student enrollment goals for the first time to help combat the lingering impacts of the pandemic. Two years in, Stevens Institute of Technologyhas achieved its Accelerating Opportunity goal of20% Pell share. They also are advancing a shared commitment among all 137 ATI members to close equity-based retention and graduation gaps.
As a result of Stevens Institute of Technology’s leadership in ATI and the Accelerating Opportunity campaign, thousands of additional lower-income students across the United States are accessing and earning bachelor’s degrees. Data shows these students are historically more likely to have higher wages, pursue graduate degrees, become entrepreneurs, and engage in their communities.
“By expanding partnerships with community-based organizations and reducing barriers to experiential learning and research opportunities, we aim to reduce equity-based gaps for students across their higher education experience, including their sense of belonging, graduation rates, postgraduate education and job placement,” said Zeng.