CUELLAR ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR TAMIU
Written by admin, Oct 20, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Lesley Lopez,Provides funding for two academic programs
WASHINGTON DC– Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that Texas A&M International University has received two grants, totaling $6,061,035 in federal funds, from the Dept. of Education, Strengthening Hispanic Serving Institutions Program.
The Engaging Sophomores/Graduation Roadmap project has been awarded $637,207 for one year, with an expectation that it will be funded for 5 years, for a total of $3,186,035. The Graduate Retention Enhancement program received $575,000 per year with an expectation that it will be funded for 5 years, for a total award of $2,875,000.
The Engaging Sophomores: Graduation Roadmap project is designed to increase the academic success of TAMIU’s Hispanic, low-income student population by strengthening sophomore counseling support services, assessing the academic experience, increasing professional opportunities for faculty development that build pedagogical and academic connectedness for sophomore students, institutionalizing financial resources for faculty development and creating an endowment for student scholarships.
The Graduate Retention Enhancement program seeks to increase the number of Hispanic students who complete a graduate degree in a timely manner and are prepared to attain a doctoral degree or professional career in behavioral, biological, or mathematical sciences. This goal will be achieved through a vigorous and cost effective implementation of a number of activities such as a research assistantship program providing financial assistance, faculty mentorship, research capability improvement, opportunities to interact with guest scientists and mathematicians, and a designated graduate student office.
“One of our top priorities is to boost student enrollment in our universities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “We’ve seen a measured success in this venture, and now it is our top priority to maintain high enrollment figures and ensure that our students complete their degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels” said Congressman Cuellar. “I congratulate TAMIU for their leadership and hard work and most importantly, congratulate the dedicated students who are taking these opportunities and putting them to good use.”
“TAMIU is grateful to Congressman Henry Cuellar for helping us secure two major grants that will address the success of two student groups: Hispanic sophomores and graduate students,” TAMIU Provost Dr. Arenaz said. “The Engaging Sophomores: Graduation Roadmap grant will serve to develop a project and activities that will result in increasing the retention rate of sophomores. At the same time, the Graduate Retention Enhancement grant will assist us in increasing the number of Hispanic students who complete a graduate degree in a timely manner and are prepared to attain a doctoral degree or professional career. As the University continues to experience rapid growth in student enrollment, we are immensely fortunate to be able to count on Cong. Cuellar’s solid support in securing these two major grants that make the dream of higher education a reality for Hispanic students.”
