USA Funds, a nonprofit created to help American families benefit from postsecondary education, announced it has issued more than $3 million in grants during the last quarter of 2010.
The grants were issued to 75 organizations and 20 states, as well as the District of Columbia.
"These awards support programs that improve students' awareness of and preparation for postsecondary education, promote access to high-quality higher education opportunities and increase student persistence and completion of their programs of study," said Robert Ballard, USA Funds senior vice president of access and outreach. "USA Funds focuses its grant making primarily on underserved, low-income middle and high school students; students of color; and first-generation postsecondary students."
Schools and organizations receiving grants included the University of Pennsylvania, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the American Indian College Fund and the United Negro College Fund. These bodies will invest the money in various ways, all looking to provide and supplement postsecondary education. Some schools receiving the money will upgrade their technology, purchasing smartboards, computers and HDMI projectors for their classrooms.
In addition to USA Funds, companies, such as MetLife, Wells Fargo and Lowe’s, have also issued education grants.
