Biden-Harris administration awards more than $44M to improve postsecondary education access and completion for rural students
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) recently announced more than $44.5 million for 22 grants under the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) program to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through the development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.
Ohio recipients include:
• Marion Technical College will receive $1,714,423 to increase postsecondary enrollment and degree attainment of rural students and awareness of in-demand occupations among rural populations in north-central Ohio.
• Ohio University will receive $2,022,519 to increase the number of underserved students in the Southeastern Appalachian region of Ohio who enroll in, and complete, postsecondary educational pathways leading to careers in Advanced Manufacturing and related STEM fields.
“Rural communities face unique challenges in educating, training, and developing high-skill workers — yet they are also home to students with unique skills and potential,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “These dedicated funds will ensure that students in rural areas have access to postsecondary credentials and other resources that lead to high-quality career pathways and economic success.”
Applicants for the RPED grant program were encouraged to provide programs to support secondary students in accessing postsecondary education, to include partnerships with career pathways, and to provide strategies for community college students to transition to a four-year institution.
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