June 4, 2003  

 

Kay Granger Announces Funding to Expand Access to Graduate Programs in Fort Worth

 

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) today announced that Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth will receive more than $220,000 apiece to help low-income, first generation college students pursue graduate degrees.

The grants are being awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program. Under the funding announced today, Texas Christian University will receive $240,043 and UNT Health Science Center will receive $220,427.

"A major part of the No Child Left Behind Act is making sure educational opportunities beyond college are available to all students," said Representative Granger, who serves on the Appropriations subcommittee that writes the annual spending bill for the Department of Education. "By making it easier for more students to earn graduate degrees in Fort Worth, this funding will strengthen our entire community."

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program awards grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

McNair participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with these participants through their undergraduate requirements, encourage their entrance into graduate programs, and track their progress to successful completion of advanced degrees.