NCAA Awards $1.6 Million in Division I Academic Success Grants to 17 Schools

Seventeen NCAA Division I schools have been selected to receive over $1.6 million in Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grants for the 2026-27 academic cycle. These one-year awards, announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, directly target under-resourced institutions and are designed to enhance academic outcomes and graduation rates for student-athletes.

Focus on the 2026-27 NCAA AASP Grant Recipients

The AASP grants will support a range of academic initiatives at the selected schools. For 2026-27, the successful applicants are:

• Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, AL)
• Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN)
• Chicago State University (Chicago, IL)*
• Cleveland State University (Cleveland, OH)
• Coppin State University (Baltimore, MD)
• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX)*
• Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN)
• Jackson State University (Jackson, MS)*
• Long Beach State University (Long Beach, CA)
• Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD)
• Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS)
• Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, LA)
• Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
• University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, TX)*
• University of South Carolina Upstate (Spartanburg, SC)
• University of Tennessee at Martin (Martin, TN)
• Winthrop University (Rock Hill, SC)*

* denotes first-time AASP grant recipients.

Program Background: Accelerating Academic Success and the NCAA’s Commitment

The Accelerating Academic Success Program, established by the NCAA in 2012, aims to provide resources for Division I institutions with limited academic budgets. The model targets historically under-resourced member schools, delivering grants that fund staff, technology upgrades, mentorship schemes, and other forms of academic support. The NCAA notes that since 2023, applications have tripled, reflecting increasing demand. In 2026, a record 31 applications were submitted, with 17 selected for awards this cycle. Schools not chosen are encouraged to reapply in future periods.

Programs bolster the Academic Progress Rate (APR) and graduation trajectory for student-athletes. Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement, emphasised the focus on a "holistic and positive student-athlete experience." She said:

“Each grant recipient was intentional with application details that strive to address a holistic and positive student-athlete experience. We are excited to see how this grant evolves services that complement student-athletes’ educational experience and their academic success.” — Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president

How AASP Grants Are Used in Division I Markets

Schools deploy these grants in several operational ways:

• Recruiting or funding graduate assistants for academic support
• Expanding on-campus tutorial and mentor programs
• Supplementing technology infrastructure, such as enhanced learning tools
• Launching or scaling specialist educational projects aimed at athletes on the path to graduation

Each grant supports initiatives that strengthen compliance with Division I academic requirements and promote long-term career prospects. Some recipients, such as Jackson State University and Texas A&M University-Commerce, are first-time attendees, reflecting the program’s expansion. These grants further connect the NCAA to its membership base, reinforcing the organisation’s education and community engagement strategy.

NCAA’s Broader Initiatives: Engagement and Career Pathways

Beyond direct financial support, the NCAA furthers engagement with AASP schools throughout the year. The association hosts online education resources and regular forums where institutions can share best practices and resolve implementation questions. Select student-athletes from AASP schools planning careers in the sporting sector are invited to the NCAA Career Forum held every spring. During the recent edition, Jackson State track and field student Robert Salhab III received the AASP Student-Athlete Award, highlighting individual achievement and program impact.

Accelerating Academic Success Program: Application Process and Future Track

The AASP grant cycle opens applications in February and closes in May for the following academic year. Since the program’s inception, more than 300 grants have been awarded across the NCAA Division I landscape. Both single- and multi-year proposals are eligible. Institutional leaders are encouraged to consult NCAA resources or engage via the official site for future application rounds.

For more updates on scholarship and student support initiatives, see our news section. Those interested in how academic grants interface with wider regulation and compliance themes across markets can find further background in dedicated coverage.