SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $2.7 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT HELP LOW-INCOME STUDENTS THROUGHOUT NEW YORK STATE
The U.S. Dept. of Education’s “Talent Search Program” Aims to Assist Disadvantaged Students in Succeeding in Higher Education
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Funds for The University Settlement Society, Columbia University, Lehman College, The Research Foundation for the SUNY, Harlem Center for Education, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Brooklyn College, Fordham University
Schumer, Gillibrand: There is No Better Federal Investment Than One That Helps Our Students Receive a High Quality Education
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $2,731,680 in federal U.S. Department of Education funds for education institutions throughout New York State. The federal grant funds are administered via the Talent Search Program, which promotes student achievement for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for higher education and individual mentoring for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Specifically these funds have been awarded to The University Settlement Society of New York, The Trustees of Columbia University in City of New York, Research Foundation of CUNY on behalf of Lehman College, The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, Harlem Center for Education, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Research Foundation of CUNY on behalf of Brooklyn College, and Fordham University.
“This is about opportunity. A college degree is critical in this constantly changing and competitive world and ensuring all young men and women have the skills they need to compete in a 21st century global economy is essential. For many students, however, there are simply too many obstacles standing in the way of obtaining that diploma, and these federal funds will help clear those obstacles by enabling these institutions to expand their programs focused on mentoring, tutoring, academic advising, and organizing college visits for students,” said Senator Schumer.
“In order for New York to stay competitive in the 21st century global economy - and keep our skilled workforce in the region – we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Training programs like the Talent Search Program through the Department of Education can help make sure our children are prepared for the future. This federal funding allows our colleges and to provide tutoring, guidance and an educational network to help students in need. I will continue to work with my colleagues to support more funding for programs like this to help increase high school retention and enrollment in colleges and universities in the region.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Talent Search Program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assists participants with the postsecondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.
Funding has been provided to the following institutions in New York:
- The University Settlement Society of New York, Inc. will receive $559,200. The University Settlement will use funds to enhance academic tutoring and peer mentoring services.
- The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York will receive $366,240. The Trustees of Columbia University will use funds to provide tutoring and mentoring programs for students.
- Research Foundation of CUNY on behalf of Lehman College will receive $240,000. Lehman College will use funds to enhance academic tutoring, preparation for college entrance examinations, and assistance with FAFSA and federal aid/scholarship application forms.
- The Research Foundation for the State University of New York will receive $318,720. The Research Foundation of SUNY will use funds to assist students in securing financial aid and admission to institutions of higher education.
- Harlem Center for Education, Inc. will receive $279,840. Harlem Center for Education will use funds to assist students in preparing for college entrance exams and completing the college admission applications.
- Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation will receive $240,000. Cypress Hills will use funds to assist students in college enrollment and postsecondary attainment.
- Research Foundation of CUNY on behalf of Brooklyn College will receive $349,920. Brooklyn College will use funds to provide college and career advisement, financial literacy workshops, and college tours.
- Fordham University will receive $377,760. Fordham University will use funds to enhance academic tutoring and assist students in preparation for college entrance examinations and applications.
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