Congressman Sam Farr’s office this week announced that several
colleges in the region will receive federal funds under a new
allocation, including Gavilan College with more than $200,000.
Congressman Sam Farr’s office this week announced that several colleges in the region will receive federal funds under a new allocation, including Gavilan College with more than $200,000.
Farr’s office announced that local institutions of higher education have been awarded grants under the Department of Education’s Student Support Services Program.
Farr’s press spokesman Tom Mentzer initially said he did not believe Gavilan made the list, but a Gavilan College spokeswoman later confirmed it did.
“With college degrees becoming more of a necessity for high-paying careers, we must make sure we have support programs in place for those students are entering college at a comparative disadvantage,” Farr said in the statement released this week. “I’m a staunch supporter of this program and I’m pleased that our Central Coast students will get the support they need to graduate and enter the workforce.”
Local institutions receiving funds included:
– Gavilan College: $255,505
– California State University-Monterey Bay: $255,505
– Hartnell College: $226,600
– Monterey Peninsula College: $304,351
The purpose of the Student Support Services Program is to provide academic and support services to low-income, first-generation or disabled college students to increase retention and graduation rates and facilitate transfers from two-year to four-year colleges, according to the office.
Funds can be used for a variety of services including instruction in basic study skills; tutorial services; counseling; mentoring and special services for students with limited English proficiency; assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in four-year institutions and guidance on career options.
