Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds the Introduction of College Affordability Act, With Scholarship Program Honoring the Late Congressman Ron Dellums
Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to the introduction of the College Affordability Act, a comprehensive higher education reauthorization bill that seeks to cut the cost of college, lift the burden of student loan debt, and help all students complete their degree or credential on time, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement:
“I thank House Education and Labor Committee Chair Bobby Scott for his bold and progressive College Affordability Act, which includes the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial STEAM Scholars Program, named after my dear friend and mentor, Congressman Ron Dellums.
“The Dellums program will boost the number of minority students in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields through robust financial scholarships to college students. The program also meets the need to engage underrepresented students in STEAM by ensuring that no fewer than 50 percent of the awards go to students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions.
“It is an honor to keep Congressman Dellums’ legacy alive through this program and this critical education bill. At a time when students of color are vastly underrepresented in STEAM fields, this newly proposed program will help ensure we increase that pipeline. Ron encouraged me to keep moving forward, despite the institutional biases against women and people of color. It is in his memory that this program is included in the College Affordability Act.”
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