Pierluisi Announces $34 Million in Federal Funds for Six Puerto Rico Universities

Washington, DC—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a total of $34 million in federal funding, to be provided annually over the next five years, to assist students at six universities in Puerto Rico.  The funding is being provided pursuant to the Hispanic Serving Institutions Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (HSI STEM) program, which aims to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students who attain a four-year or two-year degree in STEM fields. 

Specifically, the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Bayamón; Universidad del Este; Universidad Central de Bayamón; and Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico-San Juan will each receive approximately $1.2 million annually, or $6 million over five years; Humacao Community College will receive approximately $1.1 million annually, or $5.5 million over five years; and Dewey University-Carolina will receive nearly $1 million annually, or about $5 million over five years.

“Improving access to STEM programs for university students in Puerto Rico is of paramount importance.  It is critical that our nation’s most valuable asset, namely our talented young men and women, continue to earn degrees in these competitive fields, which are more relevant than ever before.  This significant federal funding will help our students to compete successfully in the global job market,” said Pierluisi.