WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help more Rhode Islanders reach their education and career goals, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will receive $758,950 this year to provide counseling and information to qualified adults who want to pursue higher education. 

The grant is awarded to the Rhode Island Educational Opportunity Centers (RIEOC) program through the U.S. Department of Education, and will enable CCRI to continue providing free academic or career advisement and assistance to qualified Rhode Islanders.  Program services include college admission application workshops and counseling  participants on identifying financial aid options.

“CCRI does a great job of reaching out to students and providing them with opportunities for academic and career development.  I am pleased CCRI is receiving this important funding to help make a difference in people’s lives and build a stronger workforce for Rhode Island,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for U.S. Department of Education programs.

“I am extremely pleased with this development,” said CCRI President Ray Di Pasquale. “Senator Reed continues to understand the needs of the Community College of Rhode Island and its students. Most importantly, this allows an underrepresented segment of students the opportunity to change their lives and achieve their dreams.”

With 18,000 students annually, CCRI is the largest community college in New England.

In the last year, RIEOC has helped nearly 1,500 Rhode Islanders -- many of whom are first-generation college students – pursue higher education.

-end-