Illinois Congresswoman Bustos Announces Nearly $1.5 Million for Students Pursuing Secondary Education
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that nearly $1.5 million in federal grants from the U.S Department of Education have been awarded to Highland Community College, Carl Sandburg College, Rock Valley College and Illinois Central College through the Upward Bound Grant Program.
“Our students deserve access to the tools and resources they need to reach their goals,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Today, I’m excited to announce that Highland Community College, Carl Sandburg College, Rock Valley College and Illinois Central College will receive nearly $1.5 million in funding to support low-income and first-generation students and better prepare them for higher education.”
The Upward Bound Grant Program helps students prepare for college. The program serves high school students from low-income families and families where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Upward Bound aims to increase the rate of students who complete secondary and post-secondary education.
Cheri Bustos
A breakdown of the funding can be found below:
- $287,537 for Highland Community College: This funding will provide participants with academic instruction, tutoring, and advising; information on financial aid programs; assistance in completing financial aid applications; financial literacy; and support applying for college enrollment.
- $297,601 for Highland Community College: This funding will serve 60 Upward Bound students annually at Highland Community College target school who meet the federal eligibility criteria.
- $312,480 for Carl Sandburg College: This funding will serve 67 students at four target communities, Abingdon-Avon; Galesburg; Knoxville; and the Rio, Oneida, Wataga, Victoria, and Altona area, by providing college preparatory activities and supportive services.
- $297,090 for Rock Valley College: This funding will serve 60 students at two target schools, Rockford East High School, and Auburn High School, by developing and delivering an academic-year program that addresses the identified needs of their participants.
- $297,601 for Illinois Central College: This funding will support high school students attending Peoria Public Schools by providing intensive services and activities to assist students in adjusting to the academic and cultural demands of postsecondary education.
