WASHINGTON -U.S Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved $3 million last month to help recruit and retain minority students in energy science careers.  The funds, included in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, will benefit the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Minority Energy Science Initiative at Medgar Evers College and York College.
 
“For too long, Brooklyn students were prevented from pursuing careers in energy sciences because they lacked access to the best educational research opportunities,” said Rep. Towns.  “I was proud to help secure additional funding for this program which supports the innovators of tomorrow.”

The additional funding for TMCF is another example of Rep. Towns’ commitment to increasing educational funding for minority students.  In Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009, the Congressman secured more than $2 million for TMCF Minority Energy Science Initiative at Medgar Evers College and York College.

“The additional $3 million for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund will increase the number of minority scholars pursuing careers in energy sciences.  Their contributions will further support the nation’s critical efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” added Rep. Towns.

TMCF outlined a three-part Minority Energy Science Initiative which assists the Department of Energy’s efforts to recruit and retain talented minority students who will pursue energy science careers.  The Thurgood Marshall College Fund collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to help minority scholars access the research experiences they need to succeed in this growing field.

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