James Madison University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

JMU has multiple programs which provide comprehensive support to low-income students. These programs include financial support, academic assistance, social integration, community service opportunities, resources for families, and support and encouragement throughout the application and admissions process. Outreach begins in the middle school and high school years (with Professor in Residence (PIR) and Valley Scholars) and continues throughout the students' time on campus. 

Examples of programs that serve or support students who are first generation or from a lower socio-economic standing:

The Reddix Center for First Generation Students:

The Reddix Center opened in February 2023 by a philanthropic gift by JMU alumni Carl and Angela Reddix. The center, located on the second floor of the Student Success Center in Room 2170, provides a comfortable place to study, meet with classmates and mentors, and relax between classes. The center hosts workshops throughout the semester based on focusing on a variety of topics critical to student success. Additionally, refrigerators, microwaves, and color printers are available for student use. https://www.jmu.edu/first-gen/reddix-center/index.shtml

The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP):

 CSP is committed to increasing access to higher education for talented, first-generation, Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia. CSP provides academic resources, connects students to campus programs, facilitates a successful transition to college, and supports students’ success while they earn a college degree. https://www.jmu.edu/first-gen/centscholars/index.shtml

 Valley Scholars Program:

The Valley Scholars Program serves first-generation, financially-eligible students, who are motivated and show academic promise in middle school and throughout high school. Current partner school districts include Augusta County, Harrisonburg City, Page County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Staunton City, and Waynesboro City Schools. Students who successfully complete all program requirements earn a full tuition and fees scholarship to James Madison University. https://www.jmu.edu/first-gen/valleyscholars/index.shtml

Professors in Residence (PIR) program:

Faculty members serve as PIRs in schools across Virginia, acting as ambassadors for the university and the academic division and providing academic support for underrepresented and underserved Virginia students to access opportunities to pursue higher education. http://www.jmu.edu/pir/

JMU Upward Bound:

James Madison University Upward Bound is a federally-funded program working with 60 students from two local high schools: Harrisonburg High School and Spotswood High School. Each school will have approximately 30-35 students selected to participate in weekly workshops/tutoring, monthly Saturday meetings, and a six-week summer program. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to earn monthly and summer stipends throughout the year.

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

To achieve this goal, the JMU UB program plans to:

• encourage and help maintain a competitive GPA
• provide tools and resources for students to achieve a proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts, mathematics, and the sciences
• work on a plan for students to complete a rigorous program of study
• encourage enrollment in an institution of higher education
• provide tools and resources for students to graduate with a secondary school diploma
• provide the guidance and mentorship to accomplish their career aspirations

https://www.jmu.edu/coe/upwardbound/index.shtml

JMU VALOR: JMU VALOR exists to create a community of support and service to all military-connected students through resources, programming, and advocacy. To honor all those who served and sacrificed. https://www.jmu.edu/veterans/index.shtml

 JMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to support veterans' access to higher education. https://www.jmu.edu/registrar/veterans/yellowribbon.shtml

Responsible Party for figures: Brad Barnett, Senior Associate Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Data for 2022-2023 provided by Brandon Crenshaw and entered by Amanda Bodle.

Responsible Party for optional fields: Arthur Dean, Executive Director, Campus and Community Programs, Office of Access and Inclusion. Provided by Arthur Dean and entered by Amanda Bodle, ISNW on 2/21/24.

Graduation/success rate for low-income students based on 2016 cohort of Pell Students which corresponds to 2021-2022 and was the most recent data available at the time of submission https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/jmu.office.of.institutional.research/viz/Retention-GraduationRatesWeb/GraduationRates#!/vizhome/GraduationRates_16010424751770/GraduationRates?publish=yes