United States Congressman Henry Cuellar - Representing the 28th District of Texas

Washington, Sep 2, 2008 -

U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar announced today a $297,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) to increase the flow of underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into science and engineering careers. The grant will be distributed in $99,000 increments over three years.

Specifically, TAMIU will use the funds to implement a three-year special project under the Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program. The project will fund the preparation of 90 low-income and potentially first-generation college students from underrepresented groups to complete secondary education and to succeed in postsecondary education programs focused in science and technology fields.

“This presents a remarkable opportunity for TAMIU students to excel and advance in scientific and technological careers,” Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU President, said.  “It aligns strongly with our University¹s growth in the math, science and engineering areas and has the long-range potential to help address our region’s and nation’s growing needs in these fields.”

“I applaud the efforts of TAMIU to secure the funding necessary to make this important program possible,” Congressman Cuellar said. “This is a great step toward addressing needs in the region for professionals in math, engineering and science. For the 90 students and their families who will benefit from the program, I look forward to their progress and to their contributions to the community.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program assists predominantly minority institutions in effecting long-range improvement in science and engineering education programs by supporting special projects designed to address specific barriers that eliminate or reduce the entry of minorities into science and technology fields.