A federal bill targeted at raising achievement in math and
sciences, especially among Hispanics, could bring money to Gavilan
College in the next three years.
Gilroy – A federal bill targeted at raising achievement in math and sciences, especially among Hispanics, could bring money to Gavilan College in the next three years.
On Aug. 9, President George Bush approved the America COMPETES Act, which provides about $40 billion during fiscal years 2008 through 2010 to educational and research programs. The bulk of the money goes to the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, but some of this money could go to area community colleges, state officials said.
“There are several references to community colleges scattered throughout the language; however, it is not clear how much funding will eventually trickle to two-year institutions,” Anne McKinney, assistant vice-chancellor for federal relations at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, wrote in an e-mail.
The bill specifies that the director handling the grant money for the National Science Foundation must make money available to community colleges that help students matriculate into four-year colleges and universities in pursuit of math, science, engineering or technology programs. However, it does not specify what percentage of the foundation’s $22 billion funds from the bill should go toward community colleges.
In addition, the bill creates a grant program for Hispanic-Serving Institutions – schools that have a high population of Hispanic students. Gavilan would likely qualify for grants through this program as 43 percent of its student body was Hispanic last year. The bill does not specify how much money should go toward these grants.
While Gavilan officials must wait to see how much money it gets, they are pleased at the bill’s passage.
“Obviously, we welcome legislation that will strengthen science and math education for our students and provide opportunities for training in high-skill, high-paying careers,” college public information officer Jan Bernstein-Chargin wrote in an e-mail.
The bill came in reaction to a 2005 report by the National Academies – commissioned by a bipartisan group of congressional lawmakers – that suggested America’s standing as a leader in technology, math and science could topple if support for education in these subject was not mustered within a few years. This bill provides that support, said Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), congressman for California’s 11th district, which includes Morgan Hill and parts of San Martin.
