Washington - Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced funding for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, also known as the McNair TRIO Program, which prepares low-income, first generation and/or underrepresented students, with strong academic standing, to participate in doctoral studies programs. The TRIO program also provides eligible students academic training, mentoring, leadership development, financial assistance, among other crucial support during their time in college, with the goal of increasing their numbers in Ph.D. programs.

"As someone who is the first in his family to graduate from college, I personally understand the significance of programs like TRIO, because it takes training to prepare the leaders of tomorrow," said Sen. Menendez. "In an increasingly competitive global economy, we must prepare our best and brightest students to succeed -- especially those who don't have the resources to continue onto a more rigorous academic education. The TRIO program is good for our students and it is a terrific investment for our state."

"The TRIO program helps under-represented students pursue advanced degrees at some of New Jersey's most prestigious universities. It is an amazing program helping students across the state and is a valuable investment in the education of future leaders," said Sen. Lautenberg.

The awardees for New Jersey are:

  • Kean University ($220,000- five year award)
  • NJ Institute of Technology ($220,000- five year award)
  • Rider University ($220,000)
  • Rutgers ($254,317)

For more information about the McNair Trio Program please visit the U.S. Department of Education website at http://www.ed.gov/programs/triomcnair/index.html.

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