Flathead Valley Community college has won multiple grants, including $1.9 million over five years to improve retention and graduation rates through enhanced academic support and services.

The money came from the U.S. Department of Education's Title III program. FVCC applied for the money to increase its capacity to analyze institutional data to improve student outcomes and the college's performance, according to a news release from the college.

Faith Hodges, a 35-year staff veteran, was appointed director of the new Title III project. She now serves as director of enrollment planning and research.

"This grant will enhance our advising system, provide funding for faculty development and assist us in the creation of academic intervention strategies that help retain students through graduation," Hodges said.

Through the grant, the college will pay for an institutional researcher to develop information the college needs to make decisions about enrollment and retention, budgeting, education assessment and strategic planning.

The community college also received grants for $66,008 from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and $69,982 through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

The Perkins grant will help the college develop an online health science introductory course for high school students offering high school and college credits.

The college will work with high schools not offering these courses.

Myrna Ridenour, director of the program, said the goal of the course is to educate and encourage high school students to consider health careers.

"Health care continues to be a growing field where good-paying jobs will be available," she said.

The college received the $66,008 from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in partnership with Salish Kootenai College. Their project, "Student Teams for Elections Assistance in Montana," was one of 13 chosen around the country to provide student poll workers during local, state and federal elections.

Under the program, students will receive training and work for Flathead County and Lake County election offices to address problems recruiting, training and keeping poll workers

Paula Robinson, Flathead County clerk and recorder, said this grant program will recruit and train the next generation of poll workers about the importance of civic participation on election day.