Lumbee Tribe awarded $2.4 million Education Grant

Tribal officials were excited to announce today that the Lumbee Tribe has received a four-year, $2.4 million grant from the US Department of Education.

The grant will be used to prepare Lumbee students for college or a career after high school. About 25 local and state dignitaries attended a press conference at the Tribal Housing Complex on Thursday, September 24.

“This is great news,” said Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks. “This grant will focus solely on our youth and assure that they are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in college or a career.”

The grant will be used to fund “Project ACCESS: which stands for Achieving College Opportunities Community Engagement and Student Success.

This grant was funded for 4 years. The Lumbee Tribe will receive $480,000 the first year.

The grant is a result of a great partnership with the Public Schools of Robeson County, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Robeson Community College.

The award wouldn’t have been possible without the help from US Congressman Richard Hudson and his staff. Preston Bell, a legislative aid with Hudson’s office, was in attendance on Thursday.

“I am excited about the opportunity and the possibilities of this project,” Brooks said. “This project and the partnership with the educational institutions shows our commitment to our youth in assuring them a bright future after high school.”

“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who had a hand in the writing the grant. This is an exciting day in the Land of the Lumbee.”

Several representatives from UNCP, RCC and the Public Schools of Robeson County attended the press conference.