Lee College Stands Out as Sole Community College Among Top Researchers Nationwide
The Dual Enrollment Research Fund announced the allocation of $1 million in research funding to six outstanding projects aimed at addressing critical dual enrollment challenges. This funding follows a rigorous national competition that attracted 70 applications totaling $11 million in requests. The Dual Enrollment Research Fund, supported by leading national and regional funders including the Joyce Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is committed to advancing research that drives access and success in dual enrollment programs across the country.
Lee College, the only community college selected for a research award, will undertake a groundbreaking study examining the implementation of the innovative Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program. This program, designed to enhance access to dual enrollment for low-income students, represents a significant step forward in educational equity and opportunity.
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president, expressed her enthusiasm for this project, stating, "We are thrilled to be the only community college in the nation chosen to participate with this brilliant cohort of researchers and practitioners whose work will have a national impact, addressing critical challenges and leveraging real-time data to dramatically increase the number of economically disadvantaged high school students who will complete college and ultimately improve the quality of lives in our community."
Lee College's project, under the direction of Dr. Marissa Moreno, titled "A Mixed-Methods Study of Texas’ Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program: Examining Implementation, Participation, and Academic Momentum," has been awarded a two-year grant totaling $160,000. This grant will enable Lee College to delve into the successes and challenges of the FAST program, providing valuable insights that can inform policy decisions and program enhancements not only in Texas, but potentially across the nation.
The Dual Enrollment Research Fund is dedicated to advancing knowledge and best practices in dual enrollment, a vital pathway for high school students to access college courses and accelerate their academic and career trajectories. With the support of visionary funders and the dedication of leading institutions like Lee College, the Fund aims to drive meaningful change in educational policy and practice.