Neguse Passes Federal Funding for the Boulder Strong Resource Center Through the House
Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that his requests for $275,000 in federal funding for the Boulder Strong Resource Center, and $275,000 to support CU Boulder’s Rural Partnership Outreach Program have passed the House as a part of House appropriations bills. In total, Congressman Neguse secured over $7 million in funding for community projects in his district to be included in the end of year spending bills.
“I am excited to announce that funding for our Boulder communities has passed the House—both the Boulder Strong Resource Center and CU Boulder Rural Partnership Outreach program are crucial for supporting the health and growth of our communities,” said Congressman Neguse. “I was grateful to be able to tour the Boulder Strong Resource Center earlier this month to learn more about the programs and services they are offering to our community. As we heal and recover from the tragic events of March 22nd, it’s crucial that we ensure that the victims' families, King Soopers employees and our community members are supported with necessary resources and mental health services. This federal funding will help expand the great work underway at the Center, and ensure our communities have sustained support in the coming months.”
The Boulder Strong Resource Center began offering mental health services to the greater Boulder community in the wake of the March 22 mass shooting that took place in Boulder. They offer a variety of trauma-recovery, therapy, and other mental health resources. This federal funding would expand their capacity to serve the community, decreasing the lifelong potential for serious trauma-related health problems for those suffering with mental health conditions. Visit the resource center website for more information on the center and the services they offer.
“As we have seen in our community, gun violence and especially mass shootings leave a lasting trauma, and families, survivors and community members need support for years afterward,” said Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver. “We are grateful to Rep. Neguse for his support in helping to make the Boulder Strong Resource Center a beacon of hope and help for us all.”
The Rural Partnership Outreach Program works to extend and solidify pathways to higher education for rural, first generation, and low-income students. It was created to provide more pre-college programming and outreach to low-income and first-generation students in rural communities across Colorado, including Fort Morgan and the San Luis Valley. The program offers students a wide variety of opportunities including: college and career exploration from seventh through twelfth grade; access to technology through the purchase of lender laptops; connectivity through hotspots; academic student evaluation and intervention; the opportunity to engage with local businesses through the creation of internship/apprenticeship programs; and an opportunity to attend a 2-week academic summer residential program at the University of Colorado Boulder to help familiarize themselves with the physical environment of a college campus during the summer between their Junior and Senior years in high school.
“The Rural Partnership Outreach program means a chance for our young people to further their education, regardless of their background, income level, or zip code,” continued Congressman Neguse. “Students in our rural Colorado communities deserve equal access to higher education and the opportunities that accompany it. It is a concerted effort to ensure they have not only access, but the tools they need to thrive in a collegiate setting.”
“I am thrilled the House education funding bill includes resources for CU Boulder to expand its pre-college outreach programs to middle and high school students in Fort Morgan and the San Luis Valley,” said CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano. “I am grateful to Congressman Neguse for his strong support for Colorado students as well as the university’s efforts to support their academic success from middle school through college.”
CU Boulder’s pre-college programs serve more than 1,400 low-income and first-generation students and their families across Colorado each year and 97% of program participants have gone on to continue their education at the college or university of their choice.
Read Congressman Neguse’s full requests here.
Neguse submitted several Community Project Funding requests to the Appropriations Committee, and has had remarkable success advocating for projects in Colorado’s 2nd District. The funds for the Boulder Strong Resource Center and Rural Partnership Outreach Program are among the 10 Neguse-sponsored projects to be funded by this round of appropriations.
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