Rep. Doris Matsui Announces Additional Grants for Sacramento State Education Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 9, 2009
CONTACT: Mara Lee

(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) today announced that California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) will receive a grant of $451,000 that will be used by the University's Bilingual and Multicultural education program. Through the Bilingual and Multicultural Education Department's High School Equivalency Program (HEP), many migrant and seasonal workers are able to attain a GED with support from Sacramento State. Following attainment of the diploma, the University's program further supports those in need with higher education and employment counseling. Congresswoman Matsui has been a long-time supporter of CSUS-HEP and instrumentally encouraged its receipt of this grant from the Department of Education.

"I am pleased to announce that CSUS has been selected to receive over $450 thousand dollars from the High School Equivalency (HEP) Program," stated Congresswoman Matsui. "This money will greatly benefit many Sacramento-area families, as it supports providing a path to a better life for many first-generation Americans. Community-based programs like those operating with Sacramento State are helping Californians to improve their lives and reach their full potential."

"Sacramento State greatly appreciates the continued support of Congresswoman Matsui for the Sacramento State High School Equivalency Program, which was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for more than $450,000," added CSUS Provost Joseph F. Sheley. "This program has been and will continue to be successful in preparing migrant and seasonal agricultural workers in attaining their General Education Diploma. We are thankful that Congresswoman Matsui is supportive of ensuring that everyone throughout the Sacramento region has access to education."

The CSUS-HEP program is one of 59 such programs in the United States, ranks as one of the top programs of its kind in California, and is only program operating in Sacramento, Yolo, and Colusa counties. In the 11 years since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,700 individuals pass the GED.

The program at CSUS operates on a year-round schedule with open entry and exit. It is designed to serve 180 participants at any given time. The sites to benefit from this grant will include Woodland Community College and Winters High School in Yolo County; San Joaquin Delta College in San Joaquin County, Galt Adult School in Sacramento County, Dixon High School in Solano County, and are eligible to receive this grant funding over the next five years.