Kaptur Applauds $280,000 Federal Investment in Owens Community CollegePress ReleaseJobs and the Economy

Toledo, OH - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that Owens Community College will receive a $280,000 award through the United States Department of Education. The award will support the college's TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in its mission to help adults and US veterans enroll in and complete postsecondary education.

"Education is a pathway to higher-paying jobs, stronger careers and a more resilient economy," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "By supporting non-traditional students in their pursuit of learning we help lay the groundwork for brighter futures and job growth in our region. From application assistance and career counseling to specialized support for veterans, Owens Community College's EOC meets students where they are on their skills development journey and looks to their future as integral to our region's success."

"We are grateful for the continued support in recognizing the impact TRIO has on our region," said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College. "Since 2021, this program has served nearly 2,500 individuals, helping hundreds enroll or re-enroll in college and take real steps toward their education and career goals. Expanding from 850 to 1,000 individuals served each year is not just a number. It represents real people who will now have the guidance and support they need to pursue a better life through education and training. We're proud to build on five years of work that has already changed thousands of lives, their families, communities and Northwest Ohio."

TRIO is a Federal program designed to identify and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those who are low-income, first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, or veterans, in accessing higher education. Its Educational Opportunity Centers program specifically aims to increase the number of adults enrolled in postsecondary education. Owens Community College is home to a TRIO EOC that provides free college readiness support to hundreds of Northwest Ohio adults each year.

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