MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University was awarded an Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant from the NCAA to increase student-athlete academic success and strengthen efforts designed to increase student-athlete graduation.

WIU is one of 19 colleges and universities to earn AASP grants for 2025-26, with each school receiving up to $100,000 toward infrastructure, staffing, programming, developmental training and other initiatives focused on well-being and nutrition. This is the second consecutive year WIU has been awarded this grant.

"This AASP grant will allow WIU student-athletes to continue succeeding on the field and in the classroom," WIU Faculty Athletics Representative Jeremy Robinett said. "We greatly appreciate the NCAA awarding us a second year of funding to build on our successes from last year. Through their dollars, we will be able to expand the academic and student development support services we offer in the Student-Athlete Success and Support Center." 

 Last year, grant funding paid for renovations to three offices in Malpass Library to accommodate the Student-Athlete Success and Support Center; funds were used to provide professional development opportunities for full-time staff; and five graduate assistantship positions were funded to ensure compliance with WIU and NCAA policies. 
 
Robinett highlighted continued partnerships between athletics and the Writing Center, Student Learning Center, First Year Advising and academic advisors that benefit student-athletes and other students.
 
"This year's grant allocation allows us to partner with HyVee to provide much-needed nutrition education and to collaborate with Student Athlete Insights to provide NIL resources to our student-athletes," Robinett said. "We will do this while continuing to support our tutoring and academic support initiatives with campus partners"
 
WIU continues to provide the best experience possible for its student-athletes, giving students the opportunity to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
 
"WIU is committed to providing the best experience and opportunity for our student-athletes," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "This grant will enhance efforts to ensure student athletes thrive in both the classroom and in their sport."
 
To learn more about this grant, visit bit.ly/41VRJ6d. 
 
To keep up with WIU athletics, visit goleathernecks.com.