NEW: Central Mass. Vets, Students Getting $3.3M for College
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
The U.S. Department of Education’s Upward Bound Program is distributing $1.5 million to Youth Opportunities Upheld Inc. (YOU Inc.) in Worcester and $1.8 million to Fitchburg State University as part of a $20-million package being disbursed throughout the state. The money will be used to help veterans and students from low-income families to apply for and succeed in college, according to a press release.
U.S. Congressman James McGovern of Worcester said YOU Inc. is a worthy recipient of federal funding, saying, “I have seen firsthand the incredible work that YOU, Inc. does in Worcester, and I am pleased that they will be receiving this federal grant. The TRIO program plays a vital role in ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to get a quality education.”
Fitchburg State College will also benefit mightily from the grants, U.S. Rep John Olver said.
“I am pleased that the Department of Education has awarded almost $1 million in funding for three Upward Bound programs in the First Congressional District,” Olver said. “This funding allows Fitchburg State University, UMass Amherst and the Northfield Mount Hermon School to continue to ensure that all the students are given the support they need to continue their education. Upward Bound is a tremendously successful program that provides low income and first generation students across the nation with the support and services they need to succeed.”
Added U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas: “Having worked at a community college for more than a decade, I know the benefit that TRIO and Upward Bound can have in helping students thrive and succeed in the classroom and beyond. I congratulate Middlesex Community College, Fitchburg State and the other Massachusetts schools that were awarded these federal funds today.”
Through the Upward Bound Program, YOU Inc. will receive $294,000 annually for five years, totaling $1.5 million. Fitchburg State will receive $363,365 each year for five years, totaling $1.8 million. Upward Bound provides support in preparation for college entrance in addition to opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance. The overall goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and graduate from colleges or universities. Opportunities include academic instruction, college visits, on-campus programs, tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, and work-study programs.
“Massachusetts leads the nation with almost 54 percent of our young adults earning college degrees, but there are returning veterans and low-income families who deserve an extra hand to join that list of college graduates and skilled members of the workforce,” said U.S. Sen. John Kerry. “This investment will keep our state on top by making sure that veterans and kids from low-income families get all the tools to graduate ready to compete and win.”
The financial help is critical for needy veterans and families, according to U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, who said, “These grants will help a lot of Massachusetts students and provide access to needed education assistance programs. This type of assistance is crucial for low-income and first generation students.”
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