Local universities celebrated for underprivileged student support

A $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will aid the University of Memphis in fostering academic success for first-generation, low-income and disabled students. 

"Every student has the right to an equal opportunity to learn and succeed in college," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a release. "These grants provide critical support to students who can benefit from extra help and encouragement along their college journey, enabling them to reach their personal goals and contribute to the economic vitality of our nation."

The funding will go toward the university-specific Student Success Program and its roster of TRIO programs, a federal set of initiatives that provides tutoring, counseling, mentoring and financial guidance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Two of Memphis' universities have received financial commitments that will further education opportunities for less-privileged groups.

 

This week, White House officials visited Christian Brothers University to formally recognize the school's commitment to serving the Hispanic community. Two of CBU's programs garnered praise from the The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Launched last year, CBU's Latino Success Program provides scholarships and loans for Latino students, many of whom are undocumented and therefore ineligible for state and federal aid. CBU has committed $12 million in scholarships over the next seven years to go towards advancing Memphis' Latino population.

 

“We can’t afford as a country to say that these students--because they’re undocumented, because of their families’ immigration status--we’re going to leave them behind,” said Dr. John King, the Deputy Secretary of Education for the U.S. Department of Education. “We need them to be prepared to be successful.”

 

The university's was also recognized for its efforts with Hola CBU, a student-led group that organizes over 40 events a year with support from local organization Latino Memphis.