June 02, 2017

Castro Announces $500K to Support UTSA and Local High School Students

San Antonio, TX – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) announced two federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $500,000.00 to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). UTSA will receive funding under the Upward Bound Program, which provides key opportunities for students to succeed in the pursuit of higher education. Upward Bound is one of eight federal TRIO Programs. TRIO aids students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.
 
“Expanding access to education for young people of every background should be a top priority for our city and for our nation,” said Rep. Castro. “With this funding, UTSA will help young San Antonians achieve academic success that otherwise might have been out of reach. Grants like these help ensure students aren’t just prepared to gain admission to college, but that they’re also able to graduate and explore all the opportunities a degree unlocks.”
 
Upward Bound provides participants with fundamental support for pre-college performance, college entrance, and completion of postsecondary education. Upward Bound offers a variety of services, including academic tutoring and mentoring programs, to overcome barriers to higher education. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
 
“TRIO programs like Upward Bound are an important resource for students from underserved and underrepresented populations,” said Darrell Balderrama, director of Retention and TRIO Programs in the UTSA Institute for P-20 Initiatives. “This grant will help counteract the barriers faced by first-generation and low income students who are interested in higher education. We look forward to continuing this important work in the San Antonio community.”
 
Specific grant information follows:

  • $250,000 for an anticipated duration of five years to serve 50 participants attending Holmes High School in the Northside Independent School District
  • $250,000 for an anticipated duration of five years to serve 50 participants attending Southside High School in the Southside Independent School District

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