TAMIU Recipient of $134,724 Federal Grant in Support of Student Nursing Scholarships

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Henry Cuéllar (MBA, ’82) announced today a $134,724 grant for Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). The grant, which comes from the Department of Health and Human Services, will be used to increase nursing educational opportunities for students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds and from under-represented ethnic minority groups.

Specifically, these funds will provide scholarships to help facilitate enrollment and retention of project participants in TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing and their successful graduation with a bachelor's degree in Nursing.

It is also expected that this project will improve the quantity and quality of health care to patients in medically underserved and rural areas by increasing access to a diversified and culturally sensitive bilingual nursing workforce.

“I congratulate TAMIU and applaud their efforts in working hard to secure this grant, but most importantly, for making the welfare of our residents and our students a top priority,” said Congressman Cuéllar.

“This grant is a win-win situation for all: Our students will be able to make their dream of obtaining a university education a reality and those needing access to health care will receive it right at home. I am also confident that this money will help alleviate the nursing shortage we have in the Laredo and surrounding areas,” he concluded.

The Texas Board of Nursing recently commended the faculty and adminstration for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing graduates' 94.87 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN for the 2007 examination year.

Students who would like to receive financial assistance from this project will complete an application. Scholarships will be awarded based on students’ ranking by the TAMIU Office of Financial Aid and the students’ commitment to nursing in the Laredo area.

“Our nursing program is among our most popular and the need for student scholarships is tremendous," said Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, "We're very appreciative to Congressman Cuéllar for his assistance in helping our qualified students access these funds.

“Most importantly, as graduates, these Bachelor of Science in Nursing recipients will address the federally designated health professional shortages in Laredo and the surrounding area. In short, they will return the support provided them to the communities they serve,” he noted.

For more information on federal grants, feel free to contact the Office of Congressman Henry Cuéllar at 1-877-780-0028 or visit www.cuellar.house.gov

Congressman Henry Cuéllar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu