Washington, Sep 25, 2008 - The Department of Education has awarded El Paso Community College a $708,405 grant under the College Cost Reduction Act Program, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-El Paso) announced today. These grant funds will be used to help increase the number of Hispanic and other low-income students who are earning degrees in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The grant will also be used to renovate and upgrade existing STEM facilities at the Transmountain and Northwest campuses.

"Expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students in the STEM fields is vital to America's economic competitiveness," Congressman Reyes said. "These funds will help prepare area students to pursue high paying jobs. I applaud El Paso Community College for all their hard work to enhance diversity in these critical fields."

Yesterday, the National GEM Consortium honored Congressman Silvestre Reyes and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson with the "Congressional Leadership Award" for their efforts in Congress to increase diversity in STEM fields. Congressman Reyes is co-Founder and co-Chair of the House Diversity and Innovation Caucus. The Diversity and Innovation Caucus urged congressional leaders to include funding for grant programs to increase diversity in the STEM fields in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

The U S. Department of Education is the agency of the federal government that establishes policy for, administers, and coordinates most federal assistance to education. The Department's mission is to serve America's students -- to ensure that all have equal access to education and to promote excellence in our nation's schools.