Foster Announces Over $630,000 for Area Colleges

Statement

Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) announced $634,009 in grant funding awarded by the United States Department of Education for Joliet Junior College and Waubonsee Community College.

"As a long-time supporter of affordable access to secondary education, I am pleased that students at Joliet Junior College and Waubonsee Community College will have access to these resources," said Foster. "The funds provided through this grant will help many disadvantaged students prepare for their careers and build better lives for themselves and their families."

"It was a very competitive process so we are very excited to be awarded a new 5 year grant," said DeAndre Butler, Project Achieve/TRIO-SSS Director at Joliet Junior College. "Joliet Junior College was awarded the second largest TRIO-SSS grant in the State of Illinois. We have an over 30 year history providing services through this federal grant program so it is an honor to have the opportunity to continue the legacy that has been established."

"What most people don't realize is the majority of JJC students are first-generation college students," said Curry Greene, Senior Coordinator of Grant Development at Joliet Junior College. "Project Achieve/TRIO-SSS has a great track record of providing support services and resources to help those students succeed. This new award will allow an incredible history and legacy of success to continue."

"We are very excited to receive notice of the Student Support Services five-year discretionary grant award from the U.S. Department of Education," said Frankie Benson, TRIO/Student Support Services Manager at Waubonsee Community College. "The $1.25 million dollars we'll receive will support academic coaching, transfer advising, financial literacy, a new first-year success course, individual and small group tutoring, college visits, cultural events on and off campus, and a host of other services for the 200 students we work with each academic year."

The funding will go towards TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) projects at both schools. SSS projects are aimed at supporting low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities by providing students with opportunities for academic development, assistance with basic college requirements, and motivation to complete their secondary education.

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