U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) was joined by U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with Reps Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), John Boozman (AR-03) in announcing today's grants.  

"I am committed to encouraging high school graduates to seek a college degree, because an educated work force is an investment in the future of Arkansas," U.S. Rep. Mike Ross (AR-04) said. "I’m proud that so many colleges and universities in the Fourth District will benefit from this worthwhile program, and I will continue to advocate that we fund important programs like TRIO so that we can help even more students prepare for college."

The U.S. Department of Education will award the grants through the TRIO Talent Search Program.

The goal of the TRIO Talent Search Program is to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to graduate from high school and to prepare them for enrollment in the higher education institution of their choice. The program also encourages those who have left high school to complete their education.

The Talent Search Program provides services such as academic and career counseling as well as assistance in preparing for college entrance exams. The program also gives students exposure to college campuses, provides information on student financial assistance, and lends support in completing admissions and financial aid applications.

"These federal grants provide Arkansas colleges and universities with the tools needed to promote education in their communities," Lincoln said. "Our institutions have successfully used the TRIO program to provide new opportunities and level the playing field for students who start with fewer advantages. I will continue my work to strengthen this program that has positively impacted the lives of many young people in Arkansas."

"The TRIO Talent Search program helps young adults choose a brighter path toward their education and future," Pryor said. "This funding will open up doors of opportunity for thousands of disadvantaged students in Arkansas to attend college. It’s an investment critical to our communities, and I will continue to fight against efforts to cut future funding to this program."

"The TRIO program is one of the most successful federal programs for promoting higher education in our communities," said Berry. "I am pleased to see so many schools in our state receive awards this year – especially at a time when our educational system is struggling with budget cuts and limited resources. I commend these institutions for their commitment to academic excellence and look forward to working with them in the future to improve educational opportunities for all students."

"TRIO programs motivate students and provide the means and support necessary for them to seek higher education," Snyder said. "TRIO funds help open doors for those who otherwise might not have access to the many great higher educational opportunities available in Arkansas."

"I am pleased that the Department of Education continues to recognize the great work done by TRIO programs in Arkansas," Boozman said. "Every day they help open doors and improve the lives of young people in our state."

The following schools in Arkansas Fourth Congressional District received TRIO Talent Search grants:

Arkansas Northeastern College (Blytheville) $474,084

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Little Rock) $471,142

North Arkansas College (Harrison) $538,131

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (Fayetteville) $849,028