Education

“A key component to President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, Head Start is one of the longest-running programs in our nation’s history that effectively assists lower-income and impoverished children,” said Congressman Cohen. “Increased funding for Head Start and other early childhood education and assistance programs was one of the top priorities of the New Congress and I believe we are making great strides.”

“I’m proud to be here and support this amendment with Congressman Cooper,” said Congressman Cohen. “In my district, LeMoyne-Owen College has struggled financially. It is an institution of long and historic importance to our community, and it has done a great deal for our city in educating young people and it continues to do so. This amendment would give LeMoyne-Owen additional help so they can continue to serve a mission that is unique in this country: providing quality, affordable higher education for the African-American community.”

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Steve Cohen voted for H.R. 694, the Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technological Opportunity Act. This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 331 to 59.

Washington, DC -- Today, the U.S. House approved an appropriations amendment to increase funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities by $100 million and for Historically Black Graduate Schools by $25 million. Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-5), sponsor of the amendment, stated on the House floor, "The need is great. Historically Black Colleges and Universities across America need help and they need help now."

Washington, DC -- Today Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced the award of a U.S. Department of Education grant in the amount of $1,285,107 to LeMoyne-Owen College for the period of 10/01/2007 through 09/30/2008. The funding is from the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)-Institutional Aid Program. According to the Department of Education, it is anticipated that the program will be for a total of 5 years.

Memphis, TN -- As a part of the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America campaign, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will read to the children at Memphis’ Downtown Elementary School, 10 North Fourth, at 9 a.m. Monday, March 19.

Now in its 10th year, the NEA’s Read Across America calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading during the birthday month of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss. In addition to reading, the awareness program emphasizes the importance of motivating children and helping them master basic skills.