SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word athletic department has earned an Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant from the NCAA it was recently announced.

UIW was one of 17 institutions to earn the grant, which paid out over $1.6 million to support student-athletes academic achievement for the 2026-27 academic year.

"We are incredibly grateful to the NCAA for this investment in the University of the Incarnate Word and, most importantly, in the academic success of our student-athletes," says interim UIW Athletic Director, JR Pulido.  "The Accelerated Academic Success Program Grant will provide meaningful resources and opportunities to help our student-athletes thrive in the classroom, earn their degrees, and prepare for success beyond their time at UIW.

"A special thank you to Sam Martinez, director of compliance, for taking the lead on this submission. Her dedication to the student-athlete experience is immeasurable and her leadership and commitment to our Cardinals continue to make a meaningful difference."

Grants are awarded to help schools with infrastructure, staffing, programming, development training and various other initiatives. They also help schools build sustainable programs to promote academic achievement, improve graduation rates and strengthen collaboration between staff members in athletics and academics.

The grants also empower schools to build sustainable programs that promote academic achievement, improve Academic Progress Rate outcomes and graduation rates and strengthen the collaboration between staff members in athletics and academics. 

To view the full NCAA release, click here.