Maloney Presents Federal Grant Funds to Laguardia Community College for Veterans Upward Bound program

Press Release

On Monday, U.S Representative Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) joined LaGuardia Community College President Gail Mellow and Veterans Upward Bound Director Samuel Farrell at LaGuardia's Annual Week to Honor Veterans Luncheon to present over $1.24 million in federal funds for the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program. LaGuardia's program, the only one of its kind in New York State, provides educational and professional development for veterans who are preparing for post-secondary education and employment translating their military training to jobs training.

In her remarks, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, "If you were willing to defend your country in combat, you have earned your country's full support when you get home. The best way we can support veterans is to help them support themselves with job training, counseling and mentoring. I am proud to support LaGuardia's VUB program in my district - the only one in New York State. With more than 4,500 alumni, LaGuardia's Veterans Upward Bound program has a far-reaching impact in the community and across our nation."

"LaGuardia Community College is proud to have a friend, supporter and advocate in Congresswoman Maloney," said Dr. Gail O. Mellow, president of LaGuardia Community College. "With the support and help of our federal legislators, the College in turn can serve and open the doors of higher education to the young men and women who serve tirelessly on behalf of our nation."

"Over a 35-year period, LaGuardia has succeeded in maintaining a veterans-friendly environment at the college that is closely tied to New York City's veteran community," said Samuel E. Farrell II, Director of LaGuardia's Veteran Services Office. "Our work helping veterans move forward in their lives through education, career counseling and other support services will continue, thanks to Congresswoman Maloney and her support funding the Veterans Upward Program.

Background:
The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program at LaGuardia Community College supports military veterans with educational and professional development programming. The program, which was established in 1972, has served over 4,500 veterans. Through tutoring, counseling and mentoring, VUB is designed to increase the number of veterans who pursue postsecondary education.

The U.S. Department of Education grant totals over $1.24 million allocated over five years. After five years, grantees are eligible to reapply for program funding. Congresswoman Maloney, Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14), Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand offered their support for the grant application, and LaGuardia was selected to receive a U.S. Department of Education Veterans Upward Bound grant for $249,997 each year for the next five years. The program is also strongly supported by local elected officials, including New York State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assembly Members Aravella Simotas and Cathy Nolan, and City Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer and Peter Vallone, Jr.

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