Grambling, LA — July 25, 2025 — Grambling State University (GSU) has been awarded $899,647 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program to launch the Enhancing Student Support Services for Underserved Students (E4S) project. This initiative will serve students as the Tiger Living Initiative for Fundamental Thriving (L.I.F.T.), furthering GSU’s commitment to student success and holistic development.
The L.I.F.T. initiative will support over 2,500 GSU students, aiming to boost retention by 2% through a comprehensive approach that leverages public benefit programs, creates a campus-wide mental health strategy, and addresses students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. By increasing postsecondary access, affordability, completion, and success after enrollment, L.I.F.T. will help students recognize and maximize their talents to succeed academically, socially, and in their future careers.
The project will be led by Marcus Kennedy, Interim Dean of Campus Life & Holistic Development, who will serve as the Principal Investigator. Key partners include The LEAD Firm, Christian Community Action, College of Professional Studies, School of Social Work, Humanitarian Enterprise of Lincoln Parish, and CAA, all of whom will play a vital role in providing comprehensive support to GSU students.
“This federal investment arrives at a pivotal moment for Grambling State University,” said Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. “With the launch of L.I.F.T., we are positioned to address the fundamental needs of our campus community while launching our first cohort of student leaders this summer through the GSU LEAD: Leadership Excellence and Advancement Development Micro-credential. This program will not only address the core priorities of student success and well-being but also position our graduates to lead, serve, and thrive in their communities and chosen fields. We are deeply grateful for this much-needed support and the opportunity it brings to transform lives at Grambling State.”
