Improving access and enrollment in a rural community college where 53% of the student population receives pell grants and there has been a 23.8% decline in enrollment between fall 2019 and fall 2020.

The Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education awarded Cayuga County Community College a $560,103 project grant under the Education Stabilization Fund program (CFDA 84.425). The grant will support efforts to improve access and enrollment at the community college through July 2023, with a focus on the 53% of students who receive Pell grants. Enrollment declined 23.8% between fall 2019 and fall 2020 at the rural institution located in Auburn, New York. As the sub-awardee, the State of New York will assist Cayuga County Community College in delivering services to reverse enrollment losses and strengthen opportunities for students seeking postsecondary education, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The funding will prevent, prepare for, and respond to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on the community college consistent with the goals of the Education Stabilization Fund program.