NDMU Awarded $2.8M Federal Grant Focused on Student Success & Teacher Workforce Needs

NDMU’s Largest-ever Federal Award Supports Students to Excel in the Classroom and in Future Careers

BALTIMORE, Md. – The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor have awarded Notre Dame of Maryland University a five-year, $2.8 million grant – NDMU’s largest-ever federal grant – to support student success and access to career pathways.

The Title III, Part A Strengthening Institutions Program is designed to expand the capacity of colleges and universities to help students realize their educational goals and prepare for careers that address workforce demands. The award is NDMU’s second federal Title III grant since 2019.

“Notre Dame of Maryland University is positioned to offer additional support to ensure students receive a truly transformational education that opens doors to meaningful careers and opportunities to serve their communities,” said President Abagail Van Vlerah. “NDMU has a deep commitment to investing in student success. The federal Title III grant program is helping the institution advance our mission to educate leaders to transform the world.”

With the Title III grant, NDMU will expand a distinctive career pathway initiative to grow Maryland’s teacher workforce. The NDMU School of Education uses an “earn while you learn” approach for its state-registered apprenticeship program that reimagines teacher education, using flexible course options and competency-based learning. The teacher apprenticeship program will allow undergraduate students to complete their coursework, while working in the classroom alongside a mentor to accelerate their learning.

NDMU’s unique teacher pathway programs are making a difference in the state. As the state’s top private producer of newly certified teachers, NDMU has partnered with the Maryland State Department of Education to the critical teacher shortage and offer the teacher apprenticeship to school districts around the state. The School of Education is also working with local school districts through the state’s Grow Your Own grant program to deliver tailored programs to prepare their conditionally licensed teachers and other professionals to become fully certified educators.

“This grant represents an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen student success and expand career pathways at Notre Dame,” said Dr. Carroll D. Galvin, CFRE, vice president for institutional advancement & university communications and Title III grant project director. “I am proud to help advance a comprehensive vision connecting innovative student support, academic success, and workforce needs.”

The Title III grant will also build on multiple NDMU initiatives to meet student needs, including a robust academic advising program, technology upgrades in classrooms, and a financial literacy program. Additionally, the grant will fund innovations to monitor academic progress and strengthen the foundation of NDMU’s student support services. Students will benefit from an array of enhanced University resources dedicated to ensuring their success.

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best “Regional Universities North” by U.S. News & World Report.