Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), along with Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) President Dr. Ray Keck III and TRiO Student Support Services Program Director Leticia Valle, announced today that TAMIU has been awarded a $1.2 million grant by the United States Department of Education, which will be used by the university’s TRiO Student Support Services program to provide academic assistance to students in need.

 

The $1.2 million federal grant from the Department of Education will be disbursed over five years ($247,584 per year) and will fund TAMIU’s TRiO Student Support Services program, which is designed to identify and help provide academic services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.  The program provides tutoring, counseling, remediation and other support services to students who are low-income, first-generation college students or students with disabilities.

 

Since 2001, TAMIU has received $3.3 million from the Department of Education for this program, which teaches students how to employ a highly structured approach to school. Participating students are required to attend weekly half-hour meetings with an academic coordinator.

 

“These federal funds are an investment in the future of our community and workforce. As a first-generation student myself, I understand the challenges many of our students face when pursuing higher education,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The services provided by TAMIU’s TRiO Student Support Services provide many advantages to help our students throughout their educational experience. I thank Dr. Keck and Leticia Valle for their help in securing this grant for TAMIU, and for their dedication to the students of our community.”

 

“TAMIU has been fortunate to have been blessed with an active TRiO Student Support Services program on campus since 2001. These vital tutoring and support services have assisted almost 800 students, helping them to navigate and succeed in higher education.  We are profoundly thankful to Cong. Cuellar for his leadership on this and for his tireless advocacy for our students and all students,” said Dr. Ray Keck III, President of Texas A&M International University.