News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

December 20, 2001
CONTACT: Ellia Thompson

CONGRESS APPROVES FUNDS FOR SOUTH BAY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

--Harman Fights for Education Appropriations for Southern CA --

WASHINGTON D.C. – US Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) announced that the House of Representatives yesterday approved funding for two key South Bay education projects. The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Early Advantage Initiative in Torrance and the Harbor College Television Network Project were both awarded funds in the 2002 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.

"As a graduate of Los Angeles Unified School District, I understand the importance of a quality public education," said Harman. "Childhood development programs and continuing education initiatives are both critical to the future of Southern California. I am proud to have secured federal support for these excellent educational initiatives that target both our youngest learners and adults who want to further their education."

The Appropriations bill includes funds for the following:

$440,000 to help implement the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s (LACOE) Early Advantage Learning and Resource Centers. These centers give children aged 0-5 an opportunity to develop the fundamental skills they will need to become better learners before they enter school. They also offer information, workshops and training to parents, educators and caregivers to help them stimulate learning for young children. Harman had previously helped Early Advantage find a site for its first Learning Center at the Del Amo Mall in Torrance.
$800,000 to upgrade the Harbor College Television Network Project. The Harbor College station is the only school-operated television broadcast facility in the L.A. Community College System. The planned upgrade will make it possible for the college to broadcast curricula to 3.5 million people in the L.A. Basin via existing Cable TV operators. This television network provides opportunities for college students to gain first-hand experience in broadcasting, while giving individuals across Los Angeles access to continuing education programs.

Harman was pleased with yesterday’s vote. "These programs provide unique opportunities to students across the region. Improving the quality of education in Los Angeles County is among my highest priorities, and I will continue to fight for innovative programs in the South Bay to prepare for the challenges of the next century."

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