Officials said the reprieve would enable VUB to continue its support of local veteran-students while a re-evaluation is sought of its recently denied grant application and alternative sources of funding are considered.
The respite also allows the director of the program, Cai Williams, to employ the program’s student-veterans (who work 25 hours a week through the work/study program and attend College of the Redwoods or Humboldt State full-time) during the grant reevaluation. Williams and the work/study staff will continue to aid, in whatever capacity they can, all veterans interested in pursuing their education or exploring other benefits to which they are entitled.
The VUB program at HSU has been in existence for more than 33 years. The United States Department of Education denied its recent grant renewal application for continued funding. Program managers have taken issue with the specifics of the denial, and are working closely with Congressman Mike Thompson’s office and other concerned parties to persuade the Department of Education to reconsider.
“These veterans never gave up the fight while they served our country, and I’m not about to give up on this program until all options for its continuation have been exhausted,” Williams said. “We will maintain a positive attitude, and we will continue to serve our vets as long as we can; they deserve no less. We extend our gratitude to Doug Shaw for coming to the program’s aid in its greatest time of need.”
For details about Veterans Upward Bound or to schedule an interview with Cai Williams, dial 707-826-4971.
Humboldt State News and Information
707/826-5105
psm7001@humboldt.edu