FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      
July 21, 2009
Lincoln: Katie Laning Niebaum (202) 224-4843           
Pryor: Michael Teague (501) 324-6336
Berry: Angela Guyadeen (202) 226-7625
                               

Lincoln, Pryor, and Berry Announce Funds for ASU

Washington - U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will receive $219,984 though the federal Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The program provides grants to higher education institutions to prepare low-income, first-generation college students, or students from groups underrepresented in graduate education, for doctoral study.

“Education is key to a successful future, and these funds will help many ASU students reach their goal of continuing their education beyond an undergraduate degree. ASU has been one of Arkansas’s leading institutions of higher learning, and I’m pleased to see the university earn this funding,” said Lincoln.

“Every student in Arkansas should have the opportunity to take their educational aspirations to the highest level, regardless of their economic background.  I am pleased that these federal funds will assist ASU in helping low-income and first generation college students build successful careers through graduate education,” Pryor said.

“Financing a college education is a significant hurdle disadvantaged students face,” said Berry.  “This funding will provide additional resources for those who wish to pursue an advanced degree to help them gain further expertise in their chosen field. Education is a sound investment for our students and our economy.”

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program provides opportunities for research or other scholarly activities including internships, seminars, tutoring, academic counseling, mentoring programs, cultural events, and other academic programs or events.

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