U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) Monday expressed his concern and disappointment about cuts to Upward Bound programs at Concord University and Bluefield State College that will leave more than 250 students without important educational support services these programs provide.

Upward Bound programs provide students with mentors, tutors, support services, and academic preparation necessary to complete their college education. Earlier this month, the Math-Science Program at Concord University and Veterans Program at Bluefield State College were informed that funding for their programs had been cut. Both programs will be forced to close on September 30, unless their Upward Bound funding is restored.

"I fully support these programs and the wonderful work they do for southern West Virginia," said Rahall. "Ensuring the availability of a sound education for our citizens should always be a top priority in the United States. As competition with other nations increases, America should be doing all it can to encourage students to enhance their math and science skills," Rahall said in a letter to Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education.

The Math-Science program at Concord University is the only program of its kind in the state. Absent Upward Bound funding, 55 Concord students from four counties in southern West Virginia will be denied the support services. Similarly, without Bluefield State College's Veterans Program, more than 200 veterans will have to go without services they have come to rely upon.

"America has an obligation to do all it can to support our veterans, but funding cuts for veterans' education programs, such as Upward Bound at Bluefield State, cause us to fall short on that responsibility," said Rahall in his letter.

Both Bluefield State College and Concord University will be appealing the decisions to deny funding to their respective programs.

"I hope that serious consideration will be given to their appeals. The loss of these two programs would be a real blow to the students who count on the availability of these services," said Rahall.