Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) today announced a new $6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program to Laredo Community College (LCC).

The funds will be dispersed in increments of $1.2 million each year for five years, and will be used by LCC to implement their Leadership, Excellence and Academic Preparedness in STEM (LEAPS) Project to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students attaining degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the college.

Congressman Henry Cuellar announces a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education at Laredo Community College on Friday. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Ricardo Solis, President of LCC; Jackie Levin-Ramos, LCC Board of Trustees; Judge Mercurio Martinez, Jr., President of the LCC Board of Trustees; Dr. Nora Garza, Vice President for Resource Development; and Congressman Henry Cuellar.

The grant will also fund tutoring, counseling and other student services including transfer and articulation agreements between LCC, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M University at Kingsville, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and all Hispanic-Serving four-year institutions. These services are designed to improve academic success and retention to help students better transition into core courses and complete the program.

A previous $1.1 million DHSI STEM grant that Congressman Cuellar announced in January has helped LCC implement strategies that have increased STEM access and success through evidence-based methods.

Earlier this month, Congressman Cuellar announced he successfully included funding and language in several House Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations bills that encourage federal agencies to support institutions and outreach programs that benefit minority students and communities.

“Today’s $6 million grant announcement is an investment in our community’s future,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “As a graduate of LCC and other Hispanic-Serving Institutions, I firmly believe in providing equal access to quality education, which is why I work hard to provide funding to our students, and why I also included funding and language in several House Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations bills that encourage federal agencies to support institutions and outreach programs that benefit minority students and communities.

LCC President Dr. Ricardo Solis expressed his gratitude to Congressman Cuellar for his continuing support in making student success a longstanding tradition at the college.

“Laredo Community College’s initial STEM grant has played a significant role in increasing access and promoting student success in the demanding fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Dr. Solis. “With the continuing support of our Distinguished Alumnus, Congressman Cuellar, and this new $6 million federal grant, LCC will be able to reach new heights of achievement in the STEM fields for the students we so proudly serve.”