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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry, Vic Snyder, and John Boozman Thrusday announced that six Arkansas colleges and universities have been awarded Upward Bound grants totaling $1,773,937.
Arkansas Tech University; Lyon College; Philander Smith College; the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith will receive funding from the Upward Bound Math and Science Program. This initiative is designed to prepare high school students for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in math and science. The program includes such services as summer programs with intensive math and science training, year-round counseling, and exposure to faculty members or graduate students serving as mentors. Two hundred fifty-eight students are expected to participate in Arkansas.
Additionally, Pulaski Technical College and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville will receive funding from the Upward Bound Veterans Program designed to assist veterans in preparing for postsecondary education plans. The program provides academic instruction, tutoring, counseling, and work-study programs. Approximately 240 veterans are expected to participate.
“Upward Bound is a valuable federal program that helps thousands of Arkansans and people across the country reach their full academic potential,” Lincoln said. “These grants will allow our colleges and universities to continue to expand educational opportunities to students and veterans across Arkansas.”
“Upward Bound is an innovative program that understands the importance and value of higher education. Participants will be critical to the future of Arkansas’ workforce so that we remain competitive in today’s growing global economy,” said Pryor.
“The program at Lyon College goes beyond the normal summer program,” said Berry. “It provides disadvantaged students with opportunities beyond the classroom to cultivate their interest in the math and science fields. Any investment in children is an investment in our nation's future, which is why I'm proud to have helped secure funding for such a worthwhile cause.”
“Upward Bound is a valuable program,” said Congressman Snyder. “It provides young people the opportunity to fulfill their potential through higher education.”
“Math and science education are key to Arkansas’ future as we become a larger player in the global economy. I am extremely proud that three Third District universities are taking such a leadership role in reaching out to the children of Arkansas,” Boozman said. “Additionally, as a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I am glad to see my alma mater do their part in helping our military veterans prepare for their own educations. It is my hope that Arkansas veterans avail themselves of this important program.”
Upward Bound, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education.
Arkansas colleges and universities receiving Upward Bound grants include the following:
Math and Science Program
Arkansas Tech University, Russellville $250,000
Lyon College, Batesville $293,925
Philander Smith College, Little Rock $226,600
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville $250,000
University of Arkansas, Fort Smith $250,000
Veterans Program
Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock $219,806
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville $283,606
TOTAL $1,773,937
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