LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Congressman Richard Neal announced a $1,000,000 embark to launch a Student Success Center at Bay Path University.

Congressman Richard Neal, along with Bay Path President Sandra Doran, announced a $1,000,000 embark to launch a Student Success Center at Bay Path University on Friday. The allocation was made possible through Congressionally Direct Spending (CDS) from the Department of Education, according to a news release sent to 22News from the office of Congressman Richard Neal.

Congressman Neal also included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2023 spending bill that was signed into law back in December of 2022. The funding will be used for the completion of the work to launch a new Student Success Center that will deliver holistic, coordinated, wraparound academic, financial, and career development support services that will be accessible 24/7, both online and on campus.

The Center will also accommodate the needs of Bay Path’s diverse student populations, integrating their services into a student’s academic program through communication and touchpoints throughout the undergraduate experience. This project is one of fifteen CDS projects that was submitted by Congressman Neal, which totals over $20 million in investments throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.

“As one of the premier learning institutions in New England, Bay Path University continues to pride itself on providing students the resources needed to succeed both in the classroom and in the workforce,” said Congressman Neal. “Bay Path has a long history of serving a diverse student body, creating opportunities for first-generation college students and disadvantaged members of our communities. I am proud to have procured funding that will allow Bay Path to launch their Student Success Center, furthering their mission of empowering students to become leaders in their careers.”

“Our faculty and staff are truly passionate about providing the best student experience, in and out of the classroom, for all our learners, on the ground and online,” stated Bay Path President Sandra J. Doran. “This award will help us develop a Student Success Center that will ensure that our learners graduate and succeed in their careers. On behalf of the Bay Path community and our learners, 80% of whom live and work in our region, I express my gratitude to Congressman Neal for all his support!”