Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and Cleveland State University (CSU) have announced two grants totaling $6.8 million from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation in support of the schools’ collaborative effort to transition honors students from two- to four-year college programs.

The renewal grants extend funding through 2030-31 for the Mandel Continuing Scholars Program, a partnership between the two schools launched in 2017. Tri-C will receive $3.3 million in continued support for the school’s Mandel Scholars Academy, providing academically successful students with scholarships for up to four semesters as well as personal and academic mentoring. CSU will receive $3.5 million to fund full-tuition scholarships, dedicated academic advisors, peer mentoring networks, and enriching research opportunities for eligible Tri-C students transferring to CSU. Since 2017, 254 Mandel Scholars have completed the program at Tri-C, with 110 of those students matriculating at CSU.

“We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for our students through the Mandel Continuing Scholars Program,” said Tri-C president Michael A. Baston. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to nurturing academic talent and producing future community leaders and our commitment to a thriving partnership with Cleveland State University.”

“We are pleased to make these further investments to secure the future of this partnership and its enduring impact,” said Mandel Foundation president Jehuda Reinharz. “Tri-C and Cleveland State are cultivating the civic-minded citizens Northeast Ohio needs to lead us toward a stronger social and economic future.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/SDI Productions)