Washington, D.C.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated Arizona Western College and the University of Arizona for receiving grants of $341,724 and $253,662, respectively, from the Department of Education for academic and other support services to low-income, first-generation and disabled college students. The funds will be disbursed Sept. 1 and last until August 31, 2011.

The Student Support Services Program (SSS), which provided the funds, was created in the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase retention and graduation rates, facilitate transfer from two-year to four-year colleges, and support the success of low-income and first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. Schools receiving SSS money are authorized to offer a variety of academically beneficial services, including:

– Instruction in basic study skills

– Tutorial services

– Academic, financial, or personal counseling

– Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in four-year institutions

– Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate and professional programs

– Providing career guidance, mentoring and special services for students with limited English proficiency

– Grant aid

“Students are best served when colleges and universities meet their academic, financial and professional needs, and these grants help make that possible,” Grijalva said. “Offering these services is a public benefit that should not be underestimated. Academic coaching, personal support, career exploration and other higher education services often make a college career a more rewarding and useful experience, and I’m glad to see Arizona schools get the material support they need to help our students reach their full potential.”

For more information, visit the University of Arizona SSS Web page and the Arizona Western College Student Services Web page.