WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today reported that eight Mississippi institutions of higher education will receive more than $2,250,000 in grant funding from the Department of Education’s Student Support Services program. It is anticipated that the grant will continue to be awarded over the next five years.

“These grants are aimed at providing better academic opportunities to students in need, as well as improving retention and graduation rates,” Wicker said. “Investments in Mississippi’s higher education system help prepare students to compete and succeed in an increasingly global economy.”

The Student Support Services program seeks to increase the college retention and graduation rates by providing academic tutoring in reading, writing, mathematics, and science.

The following Mississippi colleges and universities are recipients of the grants:

• Pearl River Community College, Poplarville — $313,316
• The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg — $257,087
• Rust College, Holly Springs — $278,980
• Holmes Community College, Goodman — $283,339
• Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena — $257,020
• Alcorn State University, Lorman — $329,571
• Mississippi State University, Mississippi State — $246,050
• Hinds Community College, Utica — $284,754