Five-year “Building a Better Future” initiative will strengthen academic support, expand workforce credentials and develop AI literacy across the university.

KERRVILLE, Texas, Oct. 22, 2026 — Schreiner University has been awarded $3,644,174 in federal funds through the Title III – Strengthening Institutions Program to support student success, expand workforce-aligned learning opportunities and build artificial intelligence capacity across the university.

The five-year initiative, Building a Better Future, places particular emphasis on serving rural, first-generation and low-income students while strengthening resources available to students across the university.

“Getting students to college is only the beginning. We want them to have the support to finish their degrees and the skills to build meaningful careers,” said Dr. Charlie McCormick, president of Schreiner University. “This investment will help us connect those priorities, strengthening the personal attention that defines Schreiner while expanding opportunities for the students and communities we serve.”

A central investment will be a new Center for Academic Success, bringing coordinated coaching, advising and tutoring together to help students navigate college from enrollment through graduation. AI-supported advising, tutoring and timely outreach will help connect students with resources earlier and identify challenges before those challenges interrupt their education.

The grant will also expand opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials alongside their academic coursework. Planned investments include developing an electrical engineering program, updating academic programs to reflect changing workforce needs and incorporating certifications that help students demonstrate practical skills to employers. New academic programs will move through applicable university and accreditation approval processes before launch.

Beginning in fall 2027, all first-year students will earn an AI literacy certification, while sophomores, juniors and seniors will have opportunities to earn advanced AI certifications within their majors or in specific skill areas. All Schreiner faculty and staff will have access to professional development focused on using AI ethically and intentionally.

The project also includes developing AI-supported, dyslexia-informed dual-credit coursework to expand access for high school students with learning differences. These opportunities are intended to help students build confidence and earn college credit while preparing for the transition to higher education.

By fall 2030, the university aims to increase first-year enrollment and certificate enrollment by 25%, achieve an 80% first-year retention rate and improve degree completion. Investments in institutional research and assessment will help Schreiner track progress, improve services and sustain successful programs beyond the grant period.

Together, these efforts will expand educational opportunities across rural Texas and help more students turn a college education into lasting career opportunity and economic mobility.

Media Contact:
Michael Bennett
Director of Marketing and Communications, Schreiner University
mbennett@schreiner.edu | 830-792-7462

About Schreiner University

Founded in 1923, Schreiner University is a private university in Kerrville, Texas, affiliated by choice and covenant with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Schreiner University’s mission is to provide students with a personalized, integrated, and holistic educational experience that prepares them for meaningful work and purposeful lives in a changing global society. Learn more at schreiner.edu.