GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen College was awarded $3 million to help close the equity gap in the next five years. 

They were among 64 institutions to receive the Title V Developing Family Student Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education. 

Dr. Gilberto Pérez, Jr., the Vice president for Student Life and Hispanic Serving Initiatives, said he's grateful the grant will allow Goshen College to grow and strengthen their students.

"We are grateful because this grant will significantly help us increase academic skills, offer more advising, promote additional internship opportunities, and strengthen Hispanic and other underserved students’ sense of belonging on this campus," he said on Goshen College's website.

In January 2023, Goshen College was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution, surpassing the criteria of 25 percent of full time undergraduate Hispanic students. 

As of fall of 2023, Goshen College 55 percent of students identify as persons of color from Hispanic, indigenous or from other nations. 

The grant will help students persist in their college degree and will assist with renovating the Wilma and Harold Good Library.

“This grant directly supports several goals in our strategic plan, creating student-centered partnerships to increase student persistence to graduation,” said Dr. Rebecca Stoltzfus, president, on Goshen College's website. 

The strategic plan consists of four stages: 

• Create a Student Success Center. This welcoming space will connect students to campus, resources and community.
• Expand the first-year program. With dedicated first year advisors and targeted course revision, students can grow in academics, a sense of belonging and engagement. 
• Guide and advise students. Through a holistic approach, students can feel comfortable choosing a career path. 
• Facilitate professional learning for faculty.