Cuellar Announces $2 Million For LCC College Prep Program
Washington,
May 11 -
Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) joined Laredo Community College President Dr. Juan Maldonado to announce a $2,080,015 grant from the Department of Education to fund the Upward Bound Program. The grant will provide the program with $416,033.66 yearly for five years.
“Thanks to this Department of Education funding, Upward Bound will be able to reach even more students in our community to encourage them to get the education they need to succeed in our 21st century economy,” said Cuellar. “I am very grateful to Dr. Maldonado for all of his hard work to make sure that we are helping Laredo students reach their full potential.”
The Upward Bound Program aims to motivate first generation/low income students to pursue a post-secondary education. The program, which has served high school students from UISD and LISD for over 30 years, is made up of three academic components: a six-week summer program, fall and spring academic programs and a high school to college bridge program for graduating high schools seniors. As part of the semester-long programs, students participate in tutoring and learning activities. The program culminates immediately after high school graduation, when students enroll at LCC to begin their college education.
“Upward Bound is an important college prep program for Laredo Community College because it provides an excellent bridge between high school and higher education for students,” Maldonado said. “The fact that the program has existed for decades is a testament to its effectiveness in helping high school students make college life a reality.”
The Upward Bound Program serves 115 students annually from both UISD and LISD. This summer, 35 graduating seniors will be attending Summer Session 1 at LCC thanks to the Upward Bound Program. Parents who are interested in learning more about this program for their children should contact the LCC Upward Bound Program at 956-721-5238
