For Release: Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

SIUE RECEIVES EDUCATION GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has received a $255,743 Upward Bound Math and Science Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its program in East St. Louis. The grant is for five years.

Upward Bound projects serve high school students or veterans who are from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree and who are preparing to enter postsecondary education. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these fields. Projects provide participants with opportunities to learn from university faculty and other professionals who are engaged in research or applied science.

"The economy of the 21st Century demands a good knowledge of math and science," said Costello. "By encouraging success in these fields we can improve our nation's educational performance in them. In many instances, students just need exposure to job opportunities that utilize math and science skills to develop their full potential."

###