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Senator Collins Announces Release of TRIO Upward Bound Grants for Maine

Department of Education’s action follows letter sent last week by Senators Collins and Shaheen calling for the immediate release of funding to current recipients.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the Department of Education has released the TRIO Upward Bound grants—which fund programs preparing high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college—to current grant recipients in Maine. This action from the Department follows a letter sent last week by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to Secretary Linda McMahon urging the immediate release of this funding after reports that multiple Upward Bound programs had yet to receive the funding they’d been promised for the coming program year.

“I am pleased that Secretary McMahon responded quickly to our request and that Upward Bound students in Maine will continue to have access to this lifechanging program,” said Senator Collins. “TRIO has made an incredible difference in the opportunities provided for many low-income and first-generation students seeking higher education. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to ensure this program is protected for Maine families and students across America.”

The following Upward Bound programs received funding, which will support over 180 Maine students:

  • Bowdoin College Upward Bound - $549,957
    • Currently serving students at:
      • Carrabec High School
      • Lawrence High School
      • Madison High School
      • Mt. Abram High School
      • Skowhegan High School
      • Spruce Mountain High School
      • Waterville High School
  • The University of Maine at Farmington Upward Bound - $437,584
    • Currently serving students at:
      • Gardiner Area High School
      • Lewiston High School
      • Lisbon High School
      • Medomak Valley High School
      • Wiscasset Middle High School

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