Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
Proudly Representing Maryland's 7th District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2006
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Devika Koppikar
(202) 225-4741 or (202) 225-4025
Trudy Perkins
(410) 685-9199 or (202) 225-4741
Mike Christianson
(410) 685-9199 or (202) 225-9876
Congressman Cummings Helps Secure $899,775 Education Grant to Benefit First-Generation College-Bound Students
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Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Maryland) helped secure $899,775 in federal funds for the Maryland Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC). Sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Center helps students to overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
"One of my priorities is expanding educational opportunities for young people. Every child has tremendous potential. But it is up to the community to nurture this potential," Congressman Cummings said. "With these funds, children who cannot see beyond their current circumstances can create their own paths to a promising future."
The four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education will allow Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. to provide:
Academic advice and assistance in college and course selection;
Assistance to help students complete college admission, training and financial aid applications;
Guidance regarding secondary school re-entry or entry into a General Education Development (GED) program or alternative education program;
Individual and personal counseling; and
Career workshops and programs for single parents, ex-offenders and other targeted audiences.
MEOC serves 3,020 low-income residents and helps single parents, veterans, ex-offenders, and the physically challenged overcome barriers to attending college.
"The MEOC program demonstrates a broad role of educational services and is responsive to the needs of the underserved. Students can do so much to reach their goals if given the guidance and opportunity," said Ellen Howard Executive Director of MEOC.
The Maryland Educational Opportunity Center is one of the federal TRIO programs funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Since 1979, MEOC has served over 78,000 individuals, including approximately 20,000 who have enrolled in postsecondary institutions and received financial aid. For more information on MEOC, please call 410-728-3400 or
www.meoconline.com.
http://www.house.gov/cummings/press/06aug04a.htm