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NMC to explore CACG funds to continue Upward Bound
The Northern Marianas College will not offer its Trio programs this upcoming semester after failing to secure a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, according to Leo Pangilinan, dean of Student Services.
In a statement, Pangelinan pointed out that the Trio programs will not continue at the college without a grant award.
The federal Trio Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. At NMC, three programs make up the Trio programs: Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services.
NMC lost its Educational Talent Search program last year when its application was turned down while the college’s Student Support Services program was stopped in 2010 for the same reason.
According to Pangelinan, the college is now seeking support from other federal funding sources to continue offering at least the Upward Bound program.
“The Trio Upward Bound participants, 120 high school students on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, will be asked to continue seeking support from the college’s College Access Challenge Grant Program,” said Pangelinan.
The College Access Challenge Grant Program is a federally funded, college-preparatory program whose mission includes preparing low-income, Pacific Islander students for college. Its sponsored events and activities promote college admission and success among thousands of students and families in the CNMI each year.
“The college will make every effort to apply for and secure Trio and other federally funded grants to support current student needs and the needs of the community as these grants become available for competition. The college is currently reviewing the recent announcement of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program grant opportunity available through the U.S. Department of Education,” said Pangelinan.
New applicants for the Upward Bound Math and Science Program may be eligible for up to $250,000 per year to serve 60 students with one or more services.
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
