Albany State University recently celebrated a major milestone, securing over $6.6 million across 20 grants, as reported by its Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. This funding highlights the Ram’s ongoing commitment to advancing education, community engagement, and impactful research.

President Lawrence Drake reflected on this achievement, emphasizing its significance for the university and the broader community. “The successful acquisition of nearly $7 million in grants is a significant milestone that underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and enhancing community engagement. ASU will direct these vital funds towards innovative research initiatives and student success programs, reinforcing our mission to empower our students and enrich our community,” he stated.

Among the various grants, ASU’s “De-escalation Grant” stands out with $250,000 awarded by the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. This project is designed to improve de-escalation strategies in law enforcement, with the goal of fostering safer interactions between officers and the public.

Another notable grant includes $600,677 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Childcare Access Means Parents in School Program. The project, titled “Albany State University: Caring for the Next Generation of Golden Rams,” provides high-quality, no-cost childcare services for the children of Pell-eligible student-parents. The program offers flexible hours, supporting students who attend classes or utilize study resources during evenings or weekends.

ASU is also expanding its support for public service learning with a $99,998 grant from the Volcker Alliance for the Next Generation Service Corps. This national initiative promotes hands-on public sector training, equipping students with skills in public problem-solving and fostering partnerships across various sectors.

The university’s research department is set to benefit significantly from these grants, with faculty embarking on cutting-edge studies aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and advancing medical treatments. Dr. Olabisi Ojo’s project, funded by a $20,592 grant from the Aim-Ahead Initiative, leverages AI to create diagnostic music that addresses physical and mental health needs, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare equity.

Additionally, Dr. Yixuan Wang received a five-year grant totaling $558,328 (with $136,616 awarded this year) from the National Institutes of Health to explore more effective breast cancer treatments, furthering ASU’s role in transformative health research.

With this latest influx of grants, ASU is set to deepen its impact across fields, bringing forward innovative programs and research that resonate throughout the community. For more details on the 20 grants awarded to ASU, click here.