Congressman Jim Ramstad revealed his commitment to providing higher education access to first-generation college students and low-income students during a reception at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) Coon Rapids Campus, May 9. Due to strong support by Ramstad, ARCC recently received a Department of Education Grant for $278,295 for a TRIO Program called Student Support Services (SSS).

Ramstad is also endorsing future funding for another TRIO Program at ARCC called Upward Bound -- serving high school students who have the potential to succeed in college, but face barriers that may prevent them from enrolling.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College student Adam Hill thanked U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad for visiting the College and for supporting students who may not have become enrolled in college if it were not for TRIO Programs.

“Anoka-Ramsey Community College has some of the most powerful success stories in the nation that show Trio Programs that work,” says U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad. “These students would not be in college if it were not for programs like Student Support Services and Upward Bound. I am proud to be here today!”

ARCC serves Upward Bound Students from Anoka High School, Blaine High School, Champlin Park High School, Coon Rapids High School, Osseo High School, Park Center High School, and Spring Lake Park High School.

“Part of our mission as a community college is to reach out to those who may not otherwise have access to higher education,” says Pat Johns, ARCC President. “Jim Ramstad has provided the tool to make that happen. He has proven to be an advocate for higher education and his work on behalf of TRIO Programs is just one example.”

The future of Upward Bound is in question because the current budget proposed by President George Bush eliminates funding for Upward Bound. This would mean a loss of more than $450,000 for ARCC. Students and staff at Anoka-Ramsey Community College continue to work with legislators to understand the need for programs that serve underrepresented populations such as students with disabilities, first-generation college students, and low-income students.

Students of Anoka-Ramsey Community College honored Congressman Jim Ramstad for his support of TRIO Programs that serve students with disabilities, first-generation college students, and low-income students.

For more information on TRIO Programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, call Cindy Nutter at 763-422-3455 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.

ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in East Central Minnesota since 1978 and the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually, the college serves more than 9,000 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs that lead immediately to rewarding careers. Anoka-Ramsey Community College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.