WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (all D-Md.) today announced $890,727 in federal funding to help students from underrepresented communities earn higher education degrees. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Education’s Upward Bound Program, which supports preparation and guidance for students as they pursue education beyond high school. The lawmakers fought for increased funding in fiscal year 2022 for Upward Bound and other federal TRIO Programs, which are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and support the educational pursuits of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“A high-quality education opens doors to greater opportunity, and that’s why we need to keep working to break down historic barriers and disparities in learning at every level. These funds will help the University of Maryland and Chesapeake College ensure first-generation college students receive the resources they need to successfully navigate college and beyond – no matter their zip code, socioeconomic status, or background. This support can make all the difference for our students, and we will continue working to deliver critical federal funding like this to help Maryland students succeed,” said the lawmakers. 

Recipients of the Upward Bound funding include:

• $603,190 for the University of Maryland College Park
• $287,537 for the Chesapeake College

The lawmakers previously announced $3,783,406 in federal funding for Upward Bound. Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance and their precollege performance – and ultimately their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.