Education grant will help prepare 55
Orleans County students to get into college

SUNY College at Brockport will receive a $287,881 grant to help low-income Orleans County students pursue a college education. The grant, awarded through the Department of Education, will give 55 high school student from Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina the opportunity to prepare for their higher education through SUNY Brockport's Upward Bound program.

"This funding will help open the door to a college education for more Orleans County students," Congressman Tom Reynolds said. "I'm pleased this investment in education and in our young people is on its way to SUNY Brockport. The grant will help prepare and empower students, many of whom will be the first in their family to receive a higher education, to get into college and succeed."

SUNY Brockport's Upward Bound program helps low-income, first generation college students navigate the road to higher education and prepares them to succeed once at the college level. The year-long program serves 55 students in grades nine through 12 at four different schools in Orleans County. Program administrators and educators provide students with counseling, advising and tutoring during the academic year, as well as monthly cultural and educational field trips. The program also provides assistance with the college and financial aid application process.

During the summer, students participate in a six-week residential program on campus at SUNY Brockport for assimilated college experience. Students stay in a residence hall, attend study skills and college readiness courses, receive math, writing, literature and science SAT preparation and get instruction in how to utilize campus resources and technology.

May 20, 2007