University of Tennessee to Receive Educational Opportunity Center Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2006

Washington, D.C. - Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) announced today that the University of Tennessee-Knoxville has been awarded an Educational Opportunity Center Program grant from the Department of Education's Federal TRIO program.

The Education Opportunity Center (EOC) Program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue post-secondary education. The EOC program counsels participants on financial aid options, assists with the application process, and provides career counseling, among other educational advice. The goal of the EOC is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in post-secondary education institutions.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville will receive a grant in the amount of $438,498, which will be spread out over five years.

"Many adults feel it is too late or too much trouble to finish their schooling.  This is simply not the case," Duncan said.  "The EOC program provides vital information to people who want to enter or continue their education.  I am pleased that my constituents will benefit from such an important program."    

Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.