U.S. Dept. of Education Renews and Increases Grant Funded Programs at Palomar College

Nov 21, 2016

SAN MARCOS (November 21, 2016) – Palomar College Grant Funded Programs received a big boost from the federal government recently when the U.S. Department of Education approved and/or renewed significant grants. The grants allow Palomar College to continue offering services critical to the education of traditionally underrepresented groups. A breakdown of the grants follows:

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) – known at Palomar as the North County Educational Opportunity Center received a $1.2 million grant. In addition to serving high school and college drop-outs/stop-outs, the program is geared toward individuals such as parolees, veterans and military-connected family members, and unemployed residents of North County. The aim is to help people from such groups return to school to receive their GEDs or high school diplomas, and/or college certificates or degrees.

The Educational Talent Search (ETS), serving middle school and high school students through high school graduation, received a grant for $3.6 million for five years. The existing ETS, serving Escondido Unified School District and Escondido Union High School District schools, was renewed for 1.2 million; plus a new ETS serving Vista Unified School District was granted for $1.2 million. ETS is designated for low income, first generation college bound students to ensure they stay in school, progress with grades, pursue college prep programs and classes, and are college ready with financial aid and scholarships, for college opportunities. Parent education is included in the program.

Services offered in both the EOC and ETS programs include academic, career and financial counseling. Assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid forms is provided, as well as tutoring. EOC projects include career exploration and aptitude assessment. The ETS program offers mentoring and special activities for sixth, seventh and eigth graders, as well as workshops for families. More information on these programs is available at www2.ed.gov.

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CONTACTS:
Melinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150, ext. 2365, mfinn@palomar.edu

Laura Gropen, Director, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150, ext. 2152, lgropen@palomar.edu

Calvin One Deer Gavin, Director, Grant Funded Student Programs, Interim Director, EOPS/CARE/CalWorks/Foster Youth Palomar College, 760-744-1150, ext. 3679, onedeer@palomar.edu