University of Maryland Eastern Shore among one of 11 NCAA Div. I institutions to receive AASP Grant for the 2023-024 academic year

 
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has secured $100,000 to enhance academic certification and other academically related endeavors within the department to increase resources for student-athletes.
UMES is one of 11 Division I institutions to receive the AASP grant for the 2023-2024 season.


"Our funding request will immediately support our incoming freshman cohort, while also adding an additional on-campus resources to help us meet our goal of providing student-athletes with the support services they need to have a holistic academic experience," said Vice President of Athletics Tara A. Owens.


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


"The AASP grant is designed to assist with the school's 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 "We are pleased to support the 2023-24 awards that will serve to fortify academic centers, invest in new technologies and help with a number of other critical services that will directly benefit student-athletes."

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. 


"As a former AASP committee member, I know firsthand how transformational the AASP grant is in bolstering the academic success of student-athletes," UMES Deputy Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator Alisha Tucker said. "I'm grateful for the support of UMES President Dr. Heidi Anderson and VP for Athletics Tara Owens as we pursued this funding. I commend the NCAA for believing in the vision we put forward in our grant request as we continue to position our student-athletes to succeed in the classroom."

 
With a continued focus on winning in the classroom, a breakdown of UMES student-athletes' academic performances from the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows:
 

Total Number of Student-Athletes	Average Cumulative GPA	Total Number of First-Time Freshmen
200	3.318	43

Sport	Cumulative Team GPA
Softball	3.51
Bowling	3.42
Volleyball	3.27
Women's Track/Cross Country	3.27
Men's Golf	3.28
Men's Basketball	3.19
Baseball	3.18
Women's Basketball	3.15
Men's Track & Field/Cross Country	3.15
Women's Golf	2.66