$15K Citi grant benefits 15 high school students

Thanks to a $15,000 grant provided by the Citi Foundation, 15 public high school students will enroll for courses at the University of Guam and the Guam Community College next year.

The students have received this opportunity under the UOG’s TRIO Program, which was established to support the educational development of public high school seniors. Of the 15 students, two will enroll at the Guam Community College, while 13 will attend courses at UOG.

During the check presentation ceremony, UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood said: “I applaud the Citi Foundation for funding the aspirations and educational goals of our students. The partnership between the University of Guam TRIO Programs and Citi means that more students have access to an affordable college education. This investment by the Citi Foundation will continue to pay dividends far into the future as our community reaps the benefits of an educated workforce.”

UOG TRIO programs director Yoichi Rengiil added: “College graduation rates for our TRIO Program participants have been traditionally low. The Citi Foundation scholarship program will assist us in improving this rate. Citi is truly a member of our community and should be commended for its outstanding contribution.”

“Citi is delighted to make this contribution and help promote more learning opportunities for public school students,” Madhu Seshadri, corporate country officer/country business manager, Citi Guam, said. “We extend our congratulations to the scholarship awardees and wish them success in their pursuit of higher education.”

He added, “We also appreciate the UOG TRIO Program’s team for their vision and passion to prepare our youth for their successful transition into college.”

UOG is a United States land-grant institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior Commission. It is the only four-year, U.S. accredited postsecondary institution within the Western Pacific region.

Since 1989, UOG has hosted two TRIO Programs: Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search. The mission of UOG’s TRIO Programs is to motivate and assist disadvantaged students achieve their educational goals. The UOG TRIO Program serves an average of 380 students annually. [B][I](Citi)[/I][/B]