Wright State University Foundation funds 11 projects to enhance student success

From helping second-year students build connections and confidence to creating dedicated spaces for presentation practice and virtual interviews, 11 new projects, funded through the Wright State University Foundation’s Students First Fund, will strengthen student success in meaningful ways.

The foundation awarded $75,000 in Students First Fund grants for 2026 to support innovative ideas from faculty, staff and students at the Dayton and Lake campuses. The initiatives focus on enhancing engagement, academic achievement, career readiness and campus life.

“The projects funded this year show how creatively the Wright State community is finding new ways to support student success,” said Janet Heppard, chair of the foundation’s Grants Committee. “From expanding clinical learning opportunities and improving study spaces to supporting student organizations and creating new artistic experiences, these ideas will have a meaningful impact on our students.”

Since launching the Students First Fund in 2019, the Wright State University Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 to support innovative projects that improve the student experience across Wright State’s campuses.

“We continue to receive incredible project ideas from faculty, staff and students that help to support the university’s mission of recruitment, retention and relationships,” said Andrea Wall, the foundation’s executive director. “The time that the applicants devote to developing their ideas and then, if awarded, ensuring the implementation and success of the projects, demonstrates how important the student experience is at Wright State, and the foundation is pleased to be able to support those endeavors.”

Here’s a snapshot of the funded projects:

SCOPE (Second-Year Campus Opportunities and Professional Engagement)

The 10-week SCOPE program connects second-year students with peer mentors and faculty mentors for social activities, community service and professional development. The initiative is designed to strengthen students’ sense of belonging and support their academic success.

Presentation Practice Support

Located in the Writing Center, the Presentation Practice Room will give students a dedicated space to rehearse presentations, record their performances and receive feedback from trained writing coaches. The resource will help students build confidence and strengthen their presentation skills for the classroom and the workplace.

Nursing Assistant Pilot Program

The School of Nursing, in partnership with Premier Health, will launch a pilot program that gives first- and second-year nursing students early, hands-on clinical experience while preparing them for entry-level roles as nursing aides. The partnership enhances student readiness, addresses workforce needs and creates a pathway into patient care careers.

Raider Event Safety and Resource Program

The Raider Event Safety and Resource Program will provide students and student organizations with access to essential event-support equipment, including radios, lighting, crowd-control barriers, and signage. The initiative will help student groups host safer, more successful events while enhancing campus engagement.

Wright State Keyboard Festival

The Wright State Keyboard Festival is an innovative educational and community event that will expand a traditional piano festival model into a broader exploration of keyboard artistry. Through performances, workshops, demonstrations and guest artists, the festival will give students meaningful artistic and professional experiences.

Student Mentorship and Leadership Series

The Wright State Bands Mentorship and Leadership Series will connect 150 to 200 undergraduate music students — along with about 50 students from other majors who participate in Concert Band — with nationally recognized educators to build leadership skills, strengthen professional pathways and support student success. The initiative also will create a lasting mentorship network through an emerging Bands Alumni Organization and community partners.

Crack the Case: A Forensic Science Experience

Crack the Case: A Forensic Science Experience will engage undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry and science education in a hands-on forensic science program. The initiative supports student engagement and expands access to forensic chemistry experiences for regional high school students, particularly in rural districts.

‘Nix the Icks’

The “Nix the Icks” campaign will help students recognize healthy relationships, respect personal boundaries and support survivors of sexual assault. Through campus events and educational programming, the initiative will encourage bystander intervention while connecting students with university and community resources.

Library Soundproof Booth

The Dunbar Library will install a sound-reducing booth for students to perform vital work, such as virtual meetings or interviews, without disturbing other library patrons. The soundproof booth will provide individual students with a dedicated space, freeing up larger study rooms for group work.

Collaborative Technology in Study Spaces

The Academic Success Centers will upgrade the study spaces in the Student Success Center with collaborative technology to support student success, improve access to collaborative workspaces, and foster engagement.

The Laker Compass

The Laker Compass is a peer-led program that helps students build the social and professional skills needed to transition successfully from college to the workplace. Through Career Circles, peer mentoring and guidance on navigating campus resources, the program will help students prepare for their careers and develop the confidence and resilience to succeed after graduation.

For more details on the Students First Fund, visit wrightstatefoundation.org/students-first-fund.