What's Happening?
Local philanthropist Bhikhaji “B” Maneckji has made a $500,000 gift to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to establish CCRI ASCEND, a new student success program. This initiative aims to support students throughout their college journey, particularly
focusing on low-income, first-time, first-year Rhode Islanders pursuing transfer pathways to the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College through the Joint Admissions Transfer Agreement. The CCRI ASCEND program will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including broadband access, proactive success coaching and mentoring, academic momentum milestones, targeted financial support, transfer planning, leadership development, and career preparation. An initial cohort is set to launch in spring 2027, with subsequent cohorts planned for Fall 2027, with a goal of supporting up to 250 students for up to three years.
Why It's Important?
This significant donation addresses critical barriers to higher education access and completion for vulnerable student populations in Rhode Island. By providing holistic support, CCRI ASCEND aims to improve student retention, academic performance, and successful transfer rates, ultimately contributing to a more educated and skilled workforce in the state. The program's focus on low-income and first-generation students is particularly impactful, as these groups often face disproportionate challenges in navigating college. The initiative also strengthens the pipeline between CCRI and four-year institutions, fostering seamless educational transitions. This model, inspired by the nationally recognized CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), could serve as a blueprint for other community colleges seeking to enhance student success and reduce achievement gaps.
What's Next?
CCRI will launch the first cohort of CCRI ASCEND in spring 2027, followed by additional cohorts in Fall 2027. The pilot phase will allow CCRI to evaluate the program's outcomes, refine its approach, and build a foundation for scaling successful elements. This new commitment builds upon Maneckji's previous $500,000 gift in 2017, which established the Last Mile Scholarship, assisting nearly 300 students nearing graduation with financial barriers. The continued generosity and strategic investment in student support programs are expected to create a sustained impact on educational attainment and economic mobility for Rhode Islanders. The success of CCRI ASCEND could encourage further philanthropic contributions and public funding for similar initiatives.
Beyond the Headlines
The CCRI ASCEND program represents a proactive approach to addressing systemic inequities in higher education. By integrating various support services, it acknowledges that student success is not solely dependent on academic ability but also on access to resources, mentorship, and financial stability. The emphasis on broadband access highlights the growing recognition of digital equity as a fundamental component of educational opportunity. Furthermore, the program's design, which includes leadership development and career preparation, aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for both further academic pursuits and the demands of the modern workforce. This initiative could foster a culture of comprehensive student support within community colleges, shifting the focus from mere enrollment to sustained engagement and successful outcomes, thereby contributing to long-term societal benefits.
