WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today announced that TRIO Talent Search at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), a program to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education, received over $295,000 in federal funds.
The College of Southern Maryland was one of only 6 schools in Maryland to receive funding during the last fiscal year.
"This program is doing a remarkable job of preparing low-income students for college and other post secondary opportunities," Hoyer said. "Every young person, regardless of their socio-economic status, should have the opportunity to reach the height of his or her God given potential."
"Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Hoyer, we have been able to afford an extraordinary number of underprivileged students with an opportunity not readily available through public schools," said Charles County Commissioner Edith Patterson, Director of the Educational Talent Search Program at CSM. "The benefits of this program are evidenced in the 87% of participants who enter post secondary higher education and the high scores earned on college entrance exams."
The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice. Talent Search also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the educational system and complete their education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in the postsecondary education institution of their choice.
The program has been threatened for elimination under recent budgets proposed by President Bush. Through the efforts of Hoyer and others, it has remained funded.
"A good education can foster the future success of the next generation," Hoyer said. "I will continue to fight for programs that help those less fortunate down the path to achieving their goals and dreams."
RELATED INFORMATION:
Talent Search Program
http://www.ed.gov/programs/triotalent/