THE DELTA | Mississippi Valley State University Athletics has been selected as one of 17 NCAA Division I institutions to receive an Accelerating Academic Success Program grant for the 2026-27 academic year.

The NCAA awarded more than $1.6 million through this year's grant cycle to support student-athlete academic achievement. The funding will provide MVSU Athletics with additional resources to strengthen academic-support efforts, enhance the student-athlete educational experience and promote continued progress toward graduation.

Established in 2012, the Accelerating Academic Success Program provides targeted resources to historically under-resourced Division I institutions. Participating schools use the funding to improve Academic Progress Rates and develop programs that help student-athletes succeed academically, personally and professionally.

"We are extremely grateful to the NCAA for awarding Mississippi Valley State University this tremendous opportunity," said MVSU Director of Athletics Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson. "This grant will further support our continued commitment to academic excellence and the overall development of our student-athletes. We remain focused on providing them with the resources and support necessary to succeed in the classroom, in competition and beyond graduation."

"On behalf of the NCAA, it is an honor to congratulate each of the 17 schools that were awarded a single-year Accelerating Academic Success Program grant for the 2026-2027 academic year," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "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."

Mississippi Valley State's selection further supports the University's commitment to providing Delta Devil student-athletes with the tools, guidance and educational resources needed to excel in the classroom while competing at the NCAA Division I level.

The NCAA received a record 31 applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Grant applications have tripled since 2023, reflecting the growing interest among member institutions in expanding academic and career-development opportunities for student-athletes.

The 17 institutions receiving AASP grants for 2026-27 are:

• Alabama A&M
• Austin Peay
• Chicago State*
• Cleveland State
• Coppin State
• East Texas A&M*
• Indiana State
• Jackson State*
• Long Beach State
• Morgan State
• Mississippi Valley State
• Northwestern State
• Tennessee State
• University of the Incarnate Word*
• USC Upstate
• UT Martin
• Winthrop*
  
  *First-time AASP grant recipient

Since the program began, the NCAA has awarded more than 300 grants to member institutions. Schools may apply for single-year or multiyear awards and have used grant funding to support tutorial and mentoring programs, hire graduate assistants and provide student-athletes with additional technology and learning tools.

The Accelerating Academic Success Program is jointly operated by the NCAA inclusion, education and community engagement division and Division I. In addition to financial support, the NCAA provides participating institutions with educational resources, implementation guidance and opportunities to exchange ideas throughout the academic year.

Student-athletes from AASP institutions who are interested in pursuing careers in sports may also receive invitations to attend the annual NCAA Career Forum, which provides professional development, networking opportunities and exposure to careers throughout collegiate athletics.

For additional information about the program, visit the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program webpage.

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