June 16, 2017

Manchin Gets Assurance from DeVos that WVU, WVSU Funding is Being Reconsidered

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today spoke with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on the phone about figuring out a way for West Virginia University and West Virginia State University to reapply for Upward Bound funding, and received her assurance that the issue is being reconsidered.

“Today I spoke with Secretary DeVos about the importance of Upward Bound programs in West Virginia. In West Virginia, we have a lot of first time college students, many of whom come from low-income families that simply do not have the resources or experience to help their children navigate things like Advanced Placement classes, SAT tests, college applications, financial aid, and finally college itself. TRIO programs fill those voids and inspire students to achieve more than they ever thought was possible. That is why I called Secretary DeVos today to urge her to reconsider her decision to deny West Virginia University and West Virginia State University the opportunity to reapply for these critical grants. After our conversation, Secretary DeVos assured me that the Department of Education is reconsidering the matter.”

This week, Senator Manchin sent a letter to Secretary DeVos expressing deep concern with the Department of Education’s decision to reject the Upward Bound application at West Virginia State University and the McNair Scholars Program application at West Virginia University because of two minor technicalities. Read the full letter here.

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