Aired May 17, 2010 12:47 PM
KNDU TV
Pasco, Wash;–The Office of Diversity and Math and Science at Columbia Basin College announced the launch of a $275,000 grant program.
CBC is one of four community colleges in Washington to receive the MESA Community College Program Grant.
MESA stands for math, engineering, science achievement.
The goal of the grant is to better prepare under-represented students for a bachelor’s degree and career in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
And despite recent budget cuts, grants like this keep the college moving forward.
“That’s what grants allow us to do especially in these difficult times,” says Vice President of Diversity and Outreach Martin Valadez. “Grants become much more important because they allow us to continue some of that work that we’ve been wanting to do. So yes it’s really important.”
About 60 students each year will be eligible for the program. That’s nearly 250 students over the duration of the grant.