Media Release
U.S. Funding to College of Micronesia-FSM Tops $10 Million This Year
August 1, 2008
The United States Department of Education awarded approximately $10.3 million in direct grants to the College of Micronesia-FSM in fiscal year 2008. The largest of these grants is the Pell Grant which received funding in the amount of approximately $8 million. This program provides eligible undergraduate postsecondary students, who have demonstrated financial need, with assistance to meet educational expenses. Most of the students at the national and four state campuses qualified for Pell grant funds of up to $4,310 each in the 2007-2008 school year, which they then used to pay for tuition, books and other related school costs.
The next most significant program includes four Upward Bound Grants, one for each COM-FSM state campus, with total funding for this fiscal year in the amount of $1,153,012. This program is aimed at generating the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school among low-income and potential first-generation college students and veterans. Its goal is to increase the academic performance and initiative levels of eligible enrollees, so that such persons may complete secondary school and successfully pursue postsecondary educational programs.
Also included is the Talent Search Program at COM-FSM Pohnpei Campus, which received grand funding in the amount of $254,408. This program identifies disadvantaged youths with the potential for postsecondary education. The program is designed to encourage them to continue, to graduate from secondary school and to enroll in programs of postsecondary education. Additionally, this program helps secondary and postsecondary school dropouts reenter an education program, and it publicizes the availability of student financial aid.
Student Support Services were funded in the amount of $235,689 this fiscal year to provide comprehensive academic support to first-generation college students and students with disabilities. Federal Work Study ($174,331) gives students the opportunity to earn money to help pay for their educational expenses. This program enables part-time work during school semesters and full-time work when classes are not in session. Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants totaled approximately $150,000 this fiscal year. Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need are eligible for this gift-aid program.
English Language Acquisition ($132,867) provided in-service training and some summer college courses as professional development training for Kosrae elementary and secondary teachers.