NCAA awards $1.6 million in academic success grants to 17 schools

The NCAA has awarded more than $1.6 million in Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grants to 17 Division I member schools for the 2026-27 academic year. Established in 2012, the program provides targeted resources to historically under-resourced schools to strengthen academic support, improve Academic Progress Rates, and assist student-athletes in reaching graduation.

Among the recipients is Austin Peay State University, which is receiving the grant for the fourth consecutive year. The $100,000 award for Austin Peay is designated for two primary initiatives: expanding the academic resource center through classroom renovations and technology upgrades, and implementing RealResponse, an anonymous reporting and feedback platform to improve communication between student-athletes and administration.

The full list of 17 grant recipients includes Alabama A&M, Chicago State, Cleveland State, Coppin State, East Texas A&M, Indiana State, Jackson State, Long Beach State, Morgan State, Mississippi Valley, Northwestern State, Tennessee State, University of the Incarnate Word, University of South Carolina Upstate, UT Martin, and Winthrop.