Press Release
From the Office of State Senator Rodney Ellis

For Immediate Release
August 1, 2002
Contact: Mike Lavigne, (512) 463-0113

Senator Ellis Announces $17.5 Million Available for College Grants

Austin, TX - This morning State Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) announced that there is still $17.5 million available to pay for students to go to college. He was joined by Senator Jeff Wentworth and other locally elected state officials as well as local university and college presidents and staff.

This money remains unspent as part of the state's TEXAS (Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success) Grant program.

"It is absolutely ridiculous for this money to go unspent," said Senator Ellis, "This money could help 6,500 students go to college."

Austin marked the last of three stops for Senator Ellis today. Senator Ellis visited Houston, Dallas and Austin today in an effort to raise awareness of the TEXAS Grant program.

At the announcement Senator Ellis held up a large check, reminiscent of the lottery, in the amount of $17.5 million.

"We've made it easy to be a winner," explained Senator Ellis, "You don't even have to buy a ticket to get this money."

High School Graduates must graduate with the recommended high school curriculum and show financial need to be eligible for these grants. The grants are only good for use at Colleges and Universities in Texas.

Senator Ellis was the Senate sponsor of the legislation that created the TEXAS Grant program in 1999.

For more information on the TEXAS Grant program go to: www.collegefortexans.com