Calumet College of St. Joseph received a $600,000 federal grant to develop a program that helps Hispanic students gain employment in Northwest Indiana.
The Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program specifically serves institutions by helping them expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students.
“This grant will help us to develop centers of excellence in business and education, which will offer new opportunities and support for students and directly connect our coursework with local schools and employers,” said Calumet College of Saint Joseph Executive Director Dr. Ginger Rodriguez in a press release. “These initiatives will not only have a positive impact on students and their families, but through them on the broader Calumet Region.”
The grant will go toward a “campus-wide initiative that reflects an institutional priority and commitment to equitable degree completion and upward socioeconomic mobility in high-growth, high-demand jobs identified for the state and the Region.”
“Congratulations to Calumet College of Saint Joseph for successfully securing this federal funding to ensure students have the resources and opportunities to obtain quality educations and meaningful careers in Northwest Indiana,” said U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan. “I will continue to do all I can to support Hispanic-serving institutions and improve access to educational opportunities for everyone throughout our Region.”
Calumet College of St. Joseph is a small private Catholic university in Whiting. Enrollment this fall was up 3.5% compared to fall 2022, according to a press release. Business management and kinesiology are the two most popular majors for incoming freshman.
“At a time when many of our peer institutions are shuttering, we thrive by focusing on our mission of service,” said President Amy McCormack. “This mission calls us to reach out to those populations who have not traditionally attended college. This approach can surface issues related to retention, but it reminds us to see every student as an individual, and it challenges us to meet their unique needs.”
