Congressman Salazar announces $290,000 for Otero Junior College in La Junta

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Congressman John Salazar announced $290,000 in funding to Otero Junior College to serve underserved students and develop a skilled work force.

The funding was awarded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to help colleges serve Hispanic students.  Otero Junior College was one of 31 institutions nationally, and the only Colorado recipient, to be awarded funding.    

Congressman Salazar offered the following comment on the funding:

“Otero Junior College is a leading institution in Southern Colorado and over 97 percent of students are employed or attend a 4-year school after graduation.  They’re doing great work and this grant will allow them to reach more students by offering additional scholarships and improving educational services.  The Hispanic community in Southern Colorado is growing and we must work together to meet their educational needs.”

Jim Rizzuto, President Otero Junior College offered the following comment:   

“I appreciate the support of Congressman Salazar in obtaining this very important grant.  The grant money will be used to involve students in programs that are being developed in the area of agricultural science.  This money will provide scholarship assistance to our Hispanic students.  The application for this granted funding was in partnership with Colorado State University in Fort Collins and we are very excited to have received $290,000.”