Rep. Fattah Announces Federal Education Grant Awards to Penn, Community College of Philadelphia for College Retention Programs

Press Release

Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) announced today that the University of Pennsylvania and Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) have both received grant awards from the U.S. Department of Education. The awards are part of the Student Support Services (SSS) Program which seeks to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

The University of Pennsylvania will receive $277,857 and the Community College of Philadelphia will receive $257,087 to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward successful completion of their undergraduate degrees.

"I am extremely proud to announce the Community College of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania as recipients of this competitive funding award from the Department of Education. The grant awards are critical to ensure that these exemplary institutions can continue to improve and expand their support services for students who need additional assistance as they navigate postsecondary education," Congressman Fattah said. "Many of the 400 students who will benefit from this funding come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may be the first in their family to attend college. The support services offered by Penn and CCP will help them successfully navigate the college experience, develop their financial literacy skills and knowledge, and ultimately prepare them to graduate and reach their fullest potential."

The University of Pennsylvania's Student Support Services program will aid 175 SSS-eligible students through successful evidence-based programs focused on preparing students to graduate with the preparation necessary to embark on a professional career or graduate studies. The services include individualized counseling, peer coaching and mentoring, and other programs that will increase the college retention and graduation rates of students.

CCP's TRIO Student Support Services program aims to help 225 students annually by providing support services necessary for completion of postsecondary education; these include needs assessments, academic support and advising, financial literacy sessions, grant aid to eligible students, and workshops. Both grant awards will also help support each school's Summer Bridge Program.

College access has been a key policy priority of Congressman Fattah since entering Congress. He is the architect of GEAR UP, the nation's most successful college preparedness program. In the House, he has successfully pushed to increase funding for federal programs that help postsecondary institutions attract and retain students from low-income families, including GEAR UP and TRIO. Fattah currently sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, which oversees funding for the Department of Education.

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