WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a total of $4,281,717 in grants to 15 institutes of higher education across Maryland to provide first generation college students of modest means with the tools and services they need to succeed. The grants were awarded through the Student Support Services (SSS) Program.
“No student should be priced out of a quality higher education that will allow them to pursue their dreams, but affording tuition is only one hurdle many students must overcome. The Student Support Service Program helps level the playing field for Americans who otherwise, through no fault of their own, might face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in achieving their academic goals,” said Senator Cardin. ”The federal government is investing in our nation’s future by investing in a holistic approach to helping students learn how to succeed.”
“Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation. Every child deserves their chance to get a foothold on that ladder,” Senator Mikulski said. “In order to out-innovate the rest of the world, we must first out-educate. These grants will ensure that students across Maryland, regardless of the zip code they grew up in, have the tools they need to succeed.”
Successful projects under the SSS Program will provide students with academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, information about financial aid and economic literacy, and support and resources to help students transfer from two-year to four-year colleges or from undergraduate to graduate or professional studies. Some additional services that may be offered under this grant may include the following activities: individualized counseling and career guidance, exposure to cultural events, mentoring and housing assistance during school breaks for students who are homeless or in foster care.
SSS is one of seven Federal TRIO Programs, which provide outreach and student services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, low income individuals, first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, foster care youth and homeless children and youth — to help them progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs.
The following schools in Maryland received grants through the SSS Program:
Allegany County
- Allegany College of MD – $220,000
- Frostburg State University – $332,930
Baltimore City
- Baltimore City Community College – $335,448
Baltimore County
- Community College of Baltimore Co. – Catonsville Campus – $292,643
- Community College of Baltimore Co. – Essex Campus – $282,543
Howard County
- Howard Community College – $342,173
Montgomery County
- Montgomery College – $231,103
Prince George’s County
- Bowie State University – $299,487
- University of MD College Park – $395,681
- Prince Georges Community College – $355,680
Talbot County
- Chesapeake College – STEM SSS – $220,000
- Chesapeake College – $320,850
Washington County
- Hagerstown Community College – $219,999
Wicomico County
- Wor-Wic Community College – $220,000
- Salisbury University – $213,180
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