A weathered brass padlock with the word "RESTRICTED" sits in the foreground over a university diploma resting on a dark wooden desk.

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Supporting Students at Every Stage of Postsecondary Education The Grad Village Diploma Lock Fund helps students who have completed the academic requirements for a degree, certificate, or credential but cannot access their diploma, transcript, or official records because of an unpaid institutional balance. These students have already done the work. They have completed the courses. They have earned the credential. But without access to their academic records, they may be unable to prove completion, secure employment, pursue promotion, transfer credits, apply for licensing, or continue their education. This program helps donors remove a final barrier between earned achievement and real-world opportunity. By supporting verified institutional balance resolution, donors help students unlock their records, activate their credentials, and move forward into the workforce with dignity and momentum. Your gift helps unlock what a student has already earned. Success Criteria The  Diploma Lock Fund stands out because it focuses on students who have already crossed the line of completion. This is where targeted financial support can catapult years of academic effort and move students to career success. Success will be measured through documented, student-level outcomes, verified balances eliminated, dollars directed to schools or approved vendors whenever possible,  Diploma Lock Fund students supported, students who obtain employment,  students who re-enroll in additional education, and what credentials completed. Grad Village will also track the type of barrier removed, such as tuition, fees, books, transportation, technology, housing-related costs, or meal plans. The project will be successful if students who were at risk of stopping out completely are able to move toward employment or advancement. Objectives Affect joblessness rates through credential attainmentImpact student retention and completion locallyImprove social &amp; economic elevationImprove underemploymentIncrease graduation ratesIncrease student persistence locallyStrengthen State &amp; local workforce development initiatives Our Mission: Our mission is to help postsecondary students access the financial support they need to begin their education, remain enrolled, and successfully complete their program. We support students by: • Assisting with tuition and educational expenses• Helping prevent students from dropping out due to financial hardship• Helping students pay outstanding balances so they can obtain their diplomas or credentials• Strengthening pathways from education to employment What We Do: Grad Village Corporation connects students with structured, transparent community support. We create opportunities for families, donors, businesses, and community partners to invest directly in student success. Our focus includes: • Start Support – Helping students cover initial costs to enroll and begin postsecondary education.• Retention Support – Assisting students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial strain.• Completion Support – Providing last-mile funding for students who have finished their coursework but need help clearing remaining balances. By helping students start, stay, and finish school, we directly contribute to workforce development and economic mobility.

GRAD VILLAGE CORPORATION

Diploma Lock Fund

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