Washington, Dec 19, 2007 - Congressmen Patrick McHenry (R-NC) today announced the U.S. Congress approved $97,000 in funding for the Appalachian State University Center at the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) located in Hudson, NC. The funding is included in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2008 (H.R. 2764), which passed the House July 19, 2007.

The Appalachian Center, which offers training and support for local teachers, including undergraduate education degrees, is a partnership program between Appalachian State University and CCC&TI designed to enhance education resources available to local residents.

“Education is the key to economic growth, and this funding will improve education opportunities across Western North Carolina,” said Congressman McHenry. “By strengthening educator training, this will help provide our region with a pool of talented teachers to fill our classroom needs.”

The Appalachian Center is the product of an arrangement reached between Appalachian State University (ASU) and CCC&TI in June of 2003, which was announced alongside a $1 million start-up grant from the Broyhill Family Foundation.

H.R. 2764 passed in the House today and now awaits the President’s signature.