News Releases for September 2008
September 4, 2008
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College Access Challenge Grant Fund Awarded To North Dakota University System
BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven and the North Dakota University System office today announced that North Dakota has been awarded $330,000 in federal funds under the College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACGP). The College Access Challenge Grant Program is a new formula grant program authorized by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 and administered through the United States Department of Education.
Charged by Governor Hoeven with administering the grant, the North Dakota University System will bring together numerous partners representing K-12 education; public, private, and tribal colleges; the Bank of North Dakota; state agencies; and professional associations. These partners will work together to improve the capacity to assist students and their families and will form a network with a plan to reach out to students. Activities will include an annual conference to promote college access which will be coordinated by Bismarck State College’s Division of Continuing Education, Training, and Innovation.
“This grant program will foster partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and charitable organizations to help prepare students to enter and succeed in college and technical education,” Hoeven said. “With the university system’s long experience and ability to bring groups together, it makes sense for them to spearhead this undertaking.”
“Statewide, both the private and public sector are emphasizing the importance of enhanced access to college,” said Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. “Key education agencies also are working together to make improvements in our state's educational system, including college preparation and access. This grant funding will help us strengthen partnerships and build a network of support for students who, otherwise, may believe college education to be out of their reach.”
“Bank of North Dakota has a vested interest in promoting college access across the state,” said BND President Eric Hardmeyer. “We support North Dakota families through a broad array of programs and administrative services including Student Loans of North Dakota, College Information Service, College SAVE, North Dakota Dollars for Scholars and Bridges On-Line Career and Education Solutions.”
CACGP is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. It is designed to enable states to assist students and their families in learning about, preparing for, and financing a postsecondary education.
Federal funds awarded to the state of North Dakota total $330,000 for fiscal year 2008. A second year of equal funding is intended if the state makes substantial progress toward the goals of the grant during this first year.
Eligibility for the grant requires the provision of an in-kind match. The match was secured by Bank of North Dakota which purchased the license for all North Dakota high schools to use the Bridges On-line Career and Education Solutions. This electronic resource can be used by individual students for college and career planning and helps connect students’ interests and skills with occupations and college majors.
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