Biden Administration Grants $44.5 Million to 22 Colleges & Universities

The Biden-Harris Administration is granting $44.5 million to support 22 higher education institutions to improve enrollment, persistence, and completion rates of students in rural communities, the US Department of Education has announced.

In a press release issued on Friday, the department highlights new data revealing that just 29 percent of individuals between 18 and 24 in rural American communities are currently enrolled in a higher education institution.

In contrast, in urban areas, the figure is nearly 48 percent, and 42 percent in suburban regions, Erudera.com reports.

Funds will be allocated through the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant program.

“The Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant program promotes the development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region,” the media release reads.

While commenting on the grants, the US Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, emphasized Biden administration’s dedication to empowering rural communities.

“The grants announced today by the Biden-Harris administration reflect our commitment to empowering rural communities to build on their strengths, attract new investments, and prepare students for the high-skill, high-wage jobs of tomorrow,” Cardona said.

He went on saying the investment in postsecondary attainment in rural areas, results in pathways for students to create rewarding careers without leaving their country.

The grants are expected to address various challenges that students in rural areas usually face, including financial barriers, application processes, and other issues such as reliable transportation, food and housing insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and high-speed internet.

The department said Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement builds on their ongoing commitment to providing higher education and job opportunities for students in rural America. Additionally, the move aligns with department's efforts to strengthen the transition of students from two-year to four-year institutions.

Institutions that will benefit from grants are:

Alabama

Athens State University ($2,209,424)

Arizona

Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University ($2,227,498)

Graham County Community College District ($2,197,555)

California

College Bridge ($2,196,928)

Illinois

Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University ($2,211,294)

Northern Illinois University ($2,105,846)

Kentucky

Big Sandy Community and Technical College ($1,800,000)

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College ($1,900,000)

Hazard Community and Technical College ($2,227,000)

Morehead State University ($2,218,048)

New Mexico

The University of New Mexico-Valencia ($2,218,830)

New York

The Research Foundation of SUNY at Alfred ($2,040,230)

North Carolina

Appalachian State University ($2,227,500)

McDowell Technical Community College ($2,227,338)

Pitt Community College ($1,013,441)

Oregon

Chemeketa Community College ($2,222,423)

Pennsylvania

Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ($2,227,263)

University of Pittsburgh ($2,227,368)

South Carolina

Voorhees University ($1,965,332)

Tennessee

Columbia State Community College ($1,571,255)

Vermont

Vermont ($1,900,000)

Washington

Heritage University ($1,415,427)