Montgomery County Community College's Upward Bound program, supporting low-income first-generation college students for 18 years, faced sudden termination of its funding by the U.S. Department of Education. The cancellation, which came without prior warning, impacts nearly 300 students and disrupts vital academic support services. The college's vice president expressed significant disappointment, highlighting the program's importance to the institution's mission of expanding educational access. The Education Department's letters attributed the cuts to a shift in policy priorities rather than program performance, signaling broader changes within federal funding approaches for similar initiatives across the country.
The abrupt end of funding for the Upward Bound program, critical for first-generation college graduates, was a surprise for Montgomery County Community College, impacting numerous local students.
Chae E. Sweet emphasized the disappointment regarding the program cut, which he views as a vital initiative for expanding access to higher education.
The U.S. Department of Education cited the funding cancellation was due to the program's misalignment with current policy priorities, reflecting shifts in government focus.
The news of funding cuts came just two days before the start of a new grant cycle, leaving college officials without prior indication of the change.
#higher-education #community-programs #federal-funding #first-generation-students #educational-support
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