Congresswoman Matsui Presents Grant to United College Action Network from MLK Celebration Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 29, 2009
CONTACT: Alexis Marks
202-225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Presents Grant to United College Action Network from MLK Celebration Committee
Sacramento, CA - Honorary co-chair of the Martin Luther King Celebration Committee Rep. Doris Matsui, presented a $5,000 grant to the United College Action Network (U-CAN) yesterday. The money will further U-CAN's services and assistance to students who wish to gain enrollment to a four-year Historically Black College and University.
The money was generated through proceeds from the MLK Celebration Committee annual dinner. The MLK Celebration Committee is a non-profit organization that symbolizes the principles of freedom, unity, and the celebration of diversity that highlighted the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. U-CAN is the only organization to receive a grant this year from the committee.
"With today's economy squeezing families and tuition prices continuing to soar, the high cost of college remains a top concern for many Americans," Congresswoman Matsui said. "Today now more than ever, we realize that education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity and success, it is a prerequisite. That is why we have to make college more accessible."
Founded in 1988 by Grant Union High School graduate Dr. Alan Rowe, U-CAN has since aided over 20,000 students throughout the state of California. Since 1999 alone, U-CAN has helped more than 4,000 seniors become accepted to an HBCU and over 900 of those have received scholarships. Since 1999, U-CAN has secured more than $24 million in scholarship monies on behalf of students.
Dr. Alan Rowe is a firm believer that our youths are the ones that are going to change the world. His motto is "If you can conceive and believe it, you will achieve it."
"The hard work of Alan and Donna Rowe has helped make college a reality for many Sacramentans," said Congresswoman Matsui. "This money will help put a young man or women through college. Right now, there are few other gifts so valuable."
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