CCRI to use $477K grant to counsel neediest students

WARWICK – The Community College of Rhode Island will receive $476,854 in federal funding to provide academic, career and financial counseling to local middle and high school students from low-income families.

CCRI is being awarded this competitive federal grant under the U.S. Department of Education’s Talent Search Program, which was included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, authored by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I.

The program targets students from poor families where neither parent has earned a college degree. It also helps them fine-tune their study skills, prepare for college entrance exams and apply for financial aid.

“This federal funding will enable CCRI to help more young people stay in school and reach their full potential,” Reed said in a statement.

CCRI will use the Talent Search Program funding to serve students in grades 6 through 12 at high schools and middle schools in Providence, Central Falls, East Providence and Woonsocket. •