THE HILL | Alabama A&M University 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 announced Thursday.
 
The NCAA awarded more than $1.6 million through the Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP), which provides targeted resources to historically under-resourced Division I institutions to strengthen academic support and enhance the overall educational experience of student-athletes.
 
Alabama A&M was selected from a record applicant pool, as the NCAA received 31 grant applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications for the program have tripled since 2023.
 
"This grant is another significant investment in the success and development of our student-athletes," Alabama A&M Vice President & Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant said. "At Alabama A&M, our responsibility extends well beyond competition. We are committed to providing our student-athletes with the academic resources, support systems and opportunities necessary to earn their degrees and prepare for successful lives after graduation. We appreciate the NCAA's investment in our institution and our student-athletes."
 
Established in 2012, the AASP provides resources designed to strengthen academic support, improve Academic Progress Rate outcomes and develop sustainable programs that assist student-athletes on their path toward graduation.
 
Institutions have used AASP funding for initiatives including academic advising, tutoring and mentoring programs, technology and learning resources, graduate assistant positions, career-readiness programming and other services designed to enhance student-athlete academic achievement.
 
The NCAA has awarded more than 300 AASP grants to member institutions since the program's inception.
 
"Receiving this grant reinforces Alabama A&M's commitment to the total student-athlete experience," Senior Woman Administrator and Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Experience Abiola Wilson-Brigmon said. "These resources will allow us to continue strengthening the academic infrastructure surrounding our student-athletes while developing programs that support retention, graduation, career preparation and their overall development."
 
The Accelerating Academic Success Program is jointly operated by the NCAA's inclusion, education and community engagement division and Division I. In addition to financial support, participating institutions receive access to NCAA educational resources and implementation assistance throughout the academic year.
 
Select student-athletes from AASP institutions who are interested in careers within the sports industry also have opportunities to participate in the NCAA Career Forum, providing additional professional development and networking opportunities.
 
Alabama A&M was joined among the 2026-27 recipients by 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, Incarnate Word, USC Upstate, UT Martin and Winthrop.
 
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