Press Release of Senator Lugar Indiana Tech receives nearly $400,000 grant Wednesday, July 9, 2008 U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar was notified today that Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) has been awarded $398,395 through the Strengthening Institutions Grant (SIG) from the U.S. Department of Education. The award is anticipated to have non-competing circumstances for a total of five years.   Indiana Tech will use the funds from the SIG to enhance student services, particularly the implementation of Freshman College, a highly structured and supportive development program for at-risk, first-year students. Freshman College will incorporate intensive advising, a core group of faculty, specialized developmental courses, block scheduling, and tutorial services.   “The federal government has a vital role to play in promoting higher education, and Indiana Tech will greatly benefit from the funding through this Strengthening Institutions Grant,” said Lugar.   Questions regarding federal grants may be directed to Andrew Mills, Grants Coordinator, by phone at 202-224-4814 or by email at grants@lugar.senate.gov.   ###