New Pennsylvania Program Targets Sophomore Retention for Vulnerable Students

Six universities within Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education are introducing a coordinated program to assist low-income and first-generation students. Known as Mastering Academic and Professional Systems, or MAPS, the initiative aims to ease the difficult transition from the first year of college to the sophomore year.

The yearlong program will support a total of 72 students, enrolling 12 first-year participants at each participating university. Students will take part in monthly cohort meetings, receive staff and faculty mentoring, and get guidance on financial aid processes like FAFSA renewals.

While roughly 80 percent of students in the state system typically return for a second year, retention rates are lower for low-income students. Data shows that 75.2 percent of Pell Grant recipients from the fall 2024 cohort returned for year two, compared to 82.8 percent of non-recipients.

The project is backed by a $250,000, two-year grant from the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh awarded to the PASSHE Foundation. In addition to student support, the grant funds a training course for faculty and staff to help make higher education more transparent and accessible.