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City Colleges of Chicago to receive $3.5 million under new provision in Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008
Chicago, IL (February 27, 2009) – City Colleges of Chicago will receive $3.5 million in grants this year under a new provision in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 that makes funds available to predominantly black institutions (PBI).
Olive-Harvey College and Malcolm X College will each receive $1.2 million over the next two years. Kennedy-King College will receive $581,429 this year and $537,712 next year.
“The PBI grant will be used to improve programming, infrastructure, and student services Malcolm X College, Olive-Harvey College, and Kennedy-King College,” said CCC Chancellor Wayne D. Watson. “This will have a positive impact on all African-American youth who are searching for ways to earn a college education.”
The new provision in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 was spearheaded through amended legislation drafted by U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.).
“The amended legislation would give more aid to predominantly black institutions,” Davis said. “It takes the special funding designation a step further, impacting more African-Americans by extending funding to institutions that serve predominantly black student populations today.”
The original Higher Education Act was passed in 1965 and provided a special designation for students at HBCUs, but not for those enrolled at schools with predominantly African-American student populations.
Under the 2008 amendment to the Act, students at colleges and universities where at least 50 percent of the population are low-income individuals or first-generation college students and 40 percent African-American will be eligible for additional funding. In addition, at least 50 percent of students must be enrolled in an educational program leading to a bachelor’s or associate degree.
About City Colleges of Chicago
The City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Community College District 508, is a system of seven independently accredited colleges. CCC provides four essential services. They are: Liberal Arts Education (associate degrees and certificates); Occupational Education (workforce training); Adult Education (General Educational Development, English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education); and Continuing Education (programs that add value to the quality of life).
City Colleges of Chicago, District 508, includes Richard J. Daley College, Kennedy-King College, Malcolm X College, Olive-Harvey College, Harry S. Truman College, Harold Washington College and Wilbur Wright College. WYCC-TV Channel 20, a public broadcast station, is also part of the City Colleges system. For more information about the City Colleges of Chicago visit www.ccc.edu.
Predominantly Black Institutions Funding Awards Presentation
Feb. 27, 2009 with Congressman Danny Davis:
(L – R) Dr. Wayne D. Watson, CCC Chancellor; David Baime, AACC VP Government Relations; Julie Ewart, U.S. Dept. of Education; Shirley Jones, U.S. Dept. of Education; Clyde El-Amin, Kennedy-King College President; Congressman Danny K. Davis; Ghingo Brooks, Malcolm X College Interim President; and Valerie Roberson, Olive-Harvey College President.
Contact:
City Colleges of Chicago Press Office –312.553.2528
