Warwick, R.I. – A $500,000 gift from local philanthropist Bhikhaji “B” Maneckji will help the Community College of Rhode Island launch CCRI ASCEND, a new student success program designed to support students throughout their CCRI college journey. 

CCRI ASCEND will combine broadband access, proactive success coaching and mentoring, academic momentum milestones, targeted financial support, transfer planning, leadership development, and career preparation. The program will focus initially on low-income, first-time, first-year Rhode Islanders pursuing transfer pathways to the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College through the Joint Admissions Transfer Agreement.  

CCRI will launch an initial CCRI ASCEND cohort in spring 2027, with additional cohorts beginning in Fall 2027 and a goal of supporting up to 250 Rhode Islanders for up to three years. The pilot will give CCRI an opportunity to evaluate outcomes, refine the approach, and build the foundation to scale successful elements of the model. 

Through his two gifts totaling $1 million, Maneckji is helping CCRI create a continuum of support that stretches from a student’s first mile to their last mile, connecting access and early momentum with persistence, completion, transfer, and career success. In 2017, Maneckji made his first $500,000 gift to CCRI to support the Last Mile Scholarship, helping nearly 300 Rhode Islanders nearing graduation overcome financial barriers that could prevent them from completing their degrees. His new $500,000 commitment extends that vision by reaching Rhode Islanders earlier and creating a continuum of support from their first semester through graduation, transfer, and career preparation.  

“Last Mile demonstrated the difference timely support can make for students approaching graduation,” said Maneckji. “CCRI ASCEND takes that commitment further by supporting students earlier in their journey. My hope is that students not only complete their degrees, but develop the confidence, skills, and momentum to succeed well beyond CCRI.” 

CCRI ASCEND is inspired by the nationally recognized CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model, which combines comprehensive academic, financial, career, and personal supports to help students stay on track and graduate. CUNY reports that the program has achieved strong completion outcomes and is now systemwide.

“Maneckji’s continued generosity reflects an extraordinary belief in our students and their potential,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “The Last Mile Scholarship helped students overcome barriers as they approached the finish line, or last mile. CCRI ASCEND builds on that vision by reaching students earlier and providing the support, resources, and encouragement they need to build momentum and achieve their goals.”