The U.S. Department of Education has cut funding to FAMU's 42 year old Upward Bound program. Officially, the Department of Education says that the university is among 213 schools nationwide that scored low on its application. Unofficially, there are suggestions that the Bush Administration targeted the programs funding to pay for the war in Iraq.The University of Florida and the University of South Florida also lost funding for their Upward Bound programs.
Jane Glickman, spokeswoman for the US Department of Education, said "there are always more projects that we can fund."
Ironically, President Bush proposed cutting the program in his 2007 budget. By cutting funds to 213 colleges the administration saved $120 million.
Upward Bound assists high school students from low-income families whose parents lack college degrees and is geared toward helping students pursue higher education. It provides students with a range of services, including instruction in reading, math and science, entrance exam preparation, exploration of education opportunities and assistance in filling out applications and financial aid documents.
Under the Department of Education's new scoring plan, 21 HBCUs and seven Hispanic Serving Institutions lost their Upward Bound funding.
Congressional leaders are taking a look at DOE's new scoring plan and are moving to restore Upward Bound funding to the programs that were cut. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va, introduced an amendment to restore the funding and table DOE's controverisal new scoring plan. His admenment passed the House Education and Labor Committtee last week but still needs full House and Senate approval and eventually must be signed by the President.
Here's' the Council for Opportunity In Education's view of what's going on: Controversial Upward Bound Changes
BASTARDS!!! THIS IS A BUNCH OF BULL! HOW DARE THEY?!?
ReplyDeleteprograms like these are what I thought conservatives would like.
ReplyDeleteThe more black folk get college degrees, the more these same black will start making bigger money, thus becoming less dependent on the government. The bigger money also means these new negros will pay more money in taxes, invest in the stock market, and maybe even VOTE Republican.
Unbelievably stupid this administration. "People get the government they deserve"
no child left behind, huh?
ReplyDeletesee, this is the type of thing that al sharpton and co. should make a big deal about...
This fits perfectly into the Bush scheme, if low income minorities aren't going to college they will end up in the military.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason why it is NEVER a good idea for FAMU or any other HBCU to put themselves in a vulnerable position by lack of management, administration and accountability. When you are at the top of your game they have to create an excuse to cut you not just say the fact that you're scoring low. Black folks who progress know from decades of history that you have to be at least two time better than the best to be considered average.
ReplyDeleteNow, 11:46, you really, really could have kept that "comment." You just didn't have anything to say and simply wanted to vent. Are you happy now?
ReplyDeleteTo Anon @ 1:23,
ReplyDeleteYes, I did simply want to vent. I didn't know that wasn't allowed on RN. Sometimes venting does help, especially when one isn't in the position to enact change. So, the answer to your question is yes, I do feel better.
I'm struggling to understand why my comment upset you to the point that you had to say something. But did you really say anything either?!?
Agreed, with 1:08; FAMU has got to raise money in the endowment so we are not licking the booty of every politician just for survival. I think a cool $1 billion endowment would do the trick.
ReplyDeleteOf course you still push hard for govt. money (why use yours when you don't have to) but you'll have the freedom to pretty much set your own agenda.
FAMU has been a sacred cow for far too long.
ReplyDeleteTime to either sink or swim.
Start thinking "accomplishment" and "excellence" - by all standards, not just a select few that ignore reality.
No more free rides.
Go Gators!
5:27PM, don't you have some more burgers to flip??
ReplyDelete5:27 PM, I guess the free ride must be over for UF too...Their Upward Bound funding was cut as well.
ReplyDeleteFAMU can't even hold a finger up to UF. We are the strongest institution in the state. FAMU is a joke in the sports world and academic world. UF is a powerhouse both academically and athletically.
ReplyDeleteGo Gators is right!
UF should be the strongest institution in the state. Hell, you had a 50 year headstart. Funneling tax dollars to fund your programs.
ReplyDelete10:21
ReplyDeleteWell you certainly aren't a reflection of your institution' supposed "greatness". Now go 'Gator Chomp' on that ;)
With the waters in Florida drying up GATORS are getting thirsty and gasping for survival. Rattlers, on the other hand, know how to survive in extremely dry conditions...we've been doing it for decades!
ReplyDelete2:31. It must not take much to make you happy, if typing in all caps and saying absolutely nothing make you a cheery person.
ReplyDeleteIf any readers are past participants of Upward Bound, or know of past participants of the program, now would be a good time to make yourself known.
ReplyDeleteYou should probably email them at upwardbound@famu.edu with your name, address, phone number, email and a short testimony of how Upward Bound helped you or someone you know.
If you live or work in Florida's Wakulla, Leon, Gadsden or Jefferson counties, you should probably email UpwardBound@famu.edu and talk about the work the program does in the community for students.
If you are a consituent of Senator Nelson or Congressman Boyd, you should probably email Upwardbound@famu.edu and talk about how you would write the legislators and ask them to support Democrat House Member Bobby Scott's ( VA) initiative to fund some 80 defunded Upward Bound programs.
Finally, go to the Upward Bound Web site www.famu.edu/upwardbound and judge for yourself the level of its excellence.
That's probably what you could do to help!
They could probably use your help now!