Funding to aid students at CSM

Low-income students pursuing higher education will benefit from almost $300,000 in federal funding, Rep. Steny Hoyer announced last week.

The TRIO Talent Search at the College of Southern Maryland, a student financial assistance program, raked in $295,441.

CSM is one of six schools in the state to receive funding during the last fiscal year.

‘‘This program is doing a remarkable job of preparing low-income students for college and other post secondary opportunities," said Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) in a statement.

‘‘Every young person, regardless of their socio-economic status, should have the opportunity to reach the height of his or her ... potential," he said.

Charles County Commissioner Edith J. Patterson, who is director of the Educational Talent Search program at CSM, said, ‘‘The benefits of this program are evidenced in the 87 percent of participants who enter post-secondary higher education and the high scores earned on college entrance exams," she said.

The TRIO Talent Search program provides academic, career and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and pursue higher education opportunities.

Hoyer said its funding has been threatened, but preserved, under President Bush.

‘‘A good education can foster the future success of the next generation," Hoyer said