By JASON GREENBERG
On Saturday, April 9, 2016, Assemblyman Ron Kim delivered remarks at his alma mater’s (Hamilton College) annual “Parents Connected Day” for students, families, and alumni who benefited from the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).
In his remarks, Assemblyman Kim highlighted the 20% increase in the state’s budget toward programs like HEOP. Overall, a total of $23.8 Million has been added to the following opportunity programs: Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP): $35.5 million, an increase of $5.9 million; Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): $32.2 million, an increase of $5.4 million; Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge program (SEEK): $28.1 million, an increase of $4.7 million; Liberty Partnerships: $18.4 million, an increase of $3.1 million;
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP): $15.8 million, an increase of $2.6 million; Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP): $11.9 million, an increase of $1.9 million; and College Discovery Program: $1.3 million, an increase of $225,000. Additionally, the budget allocates $3 million for the Foster Youth College Success Initiative – an increase of $1.5 million – to help these students overcome the challenges associated with being a part of the foster care system and support them throughout their college careers.
“As a former student who received a full scholarship based on state assistance, I benefited from the state’s higher opportunity programs – and I would not have made it to Hamilton without that,” stated Assemblyman Ron Kim. “I feel personally obligated to fight for more funding toward opportunity programs, to ensure more students who come from under-served minority and immigrant communities have a chance to succeed. I’m thrilled to announce that this year’s budget includes a 20% increase in the state’s higher education opportunity programs and moving forward, I will continue to fight for the Dream Act, so that students of all backgrounds can be afforded the same opportunity to succeed.”
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