WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $973,741 in federal funding for Montgomery College to better serve students’ needs and help improve their success in the classroom. This funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s “Basic Needs – Supporting Student Success” program will assist students at Montgomery College by coordinating efforts across local government agencies and community-based organizations to address basic needs insecurities – connecting a minimum of 1,500 students over three years to food assistance, health and mental health support, housing, transportation, childcare, dependent care, and technology. 

“Every Marylander should have the chance to pursue their dreams regardless of the size of their bank account. This funding will help ensure that by connecting hundreds of Montgomery College students to housing, food, health care, and other critical resources they need,” said the lawmakers. “We will keep working to support Maryland students – especially in the face of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic – to ensure every Marylander has the opportunity to succeed.” 

In addition to these funds, the lawmakers have previously worked to secure more than $75 million for Montgomery College, including over $11 million from the CARES Act, over $23 million from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) of 2021, and over $40 million from the American Rescue Plan. The lawmakers fought in Congress to pass these three major COVID-19 relief laws to help schools and students across Maryland adapt to pandemic challenges, learn safely, and allow colleges to provide targeted relief for students in the face of emergency expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.