Courtney announces $2.3M in grant funding for UConn to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing degrees in areas of national need

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that the University of Connecticut secured five grants from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $710,752 per year for three years to provide direct fellowship aid to graduate students pursuing degrees in areas of national need. The funding was awarded through the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Program, and will allow 21 graduate students at UConn with excellent academic records and demonstrated financial need to receive financial assistance as they pursue degrees in nursing, education and engineering.

"This competitive grant funding provides a pathway to good jobs and a stronger middle class for students who otherwise face considerable new debt in their pursuit of higher education," said Congressman Courtney. "Studies and statistics confirm that, even in a tough economy, additional education translates into increased opportunities for workers. With this funding, UConn will continue to educate the leaders of tomorrow in critical areas like nursing and engineering that will fuel our economic growth for decades to come."

"UConn has enjoyed a long history of collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to improve graduate education," said Dr. Kent Holsinger, Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Dean of the Graduate School, University of Connecticut. "The DoED Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need is the premier graduate fellowship program for training students for careers in academia, industry, government and entrepreneurship. The five new site awards for the School of Nursing, Neag School of Education and the School of Engineering complement the eight previous GAANN awards previously awarded to UConn. More than $2.1M will be provided over the next three years to recruit the top graduate students in the country, with an emphasis enhancing diversity. We congratulate Dr. Elizabeth C. Polifroni (Nursing), Dr. Betsy McCoach (NEAG Education), Dr. John Chandy (Engineering), Dr. C.Barry Carter (Engineering) and Dr. Mun Y. Choi (Office of the Provost) for their strong contribution and leadership in meeting the needs of national need through this program."