BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $6 MILLION IN GRANTS TO HISPANIC-SERVING UNIVERSITIES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Since 1999 HUD has provided $40 million to Hispanic colleges

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced $6 million in competitive grants to 10 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) to help revitalize low-income neighborhoods near their campuses and bring new opportunities to students and working families living there. The grants, administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships, range from $527,000 to $600,000.

"These grants are investments in both people and places," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "Not only will these funds help improve neighborhoods but they will help build the next generation of great Americans who will go forth to create new jobs and economic opportunities in their communities."

HSIC grants are awarded under HUD's Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities program. Colleges and universities use the funding for a wide range of housing and community development projects such as; rehabilitating neighborhood housing for low- and moderate-income people, purchasing local property for community development purposes and helping neighborhood residents buy homes. In addition, the grants help to develop recreation, day care or senior centers, promote neighborhood fair housing programs and support a variety of other community projects.

"Affordable housing, expanded economic opportunity, and community revitalization are vital necessities for Hispanic American families," said Dr. Darlene Williams, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. "The Office of University Partnerships is pleased to partner with these Hispanic-serving institutions because these grants will ultimately help to meet all of these needs."

Hispanic colleges and universities earning grants this year are:

 The HSIAC Program is one of several initiatives administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Established in 1994, OUP is a catalyst for partnering colleges and universities with their communities in a shared search for answers to pressing urban problems. More information about OUP and its programs is available on the Internet at www.oup.org.

###