News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5056 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE FEBRUARY 22, 2005

FEDERAL FUNDS POSITIVELY IMPACT ABAC’S MISSION

TIFTON - A little known fact about the budget of Abraham Baldwin College is that over $2 million in funding each year comes from the federal government.

Federal Funds Coordinator Wasdon Graydon said the college could not serve its many constituents without the federal assistance.

“All these programs are beneficial to the campus and to the community,” Graydon said.

ABAC Interim President Tom Call echoed Graydon’s sentiments.

“These federal programs are important in that they function to make higher education more feasible for populations that otherwise have very limited access to college, “ Call said.

Georgia’s congressional delegation plays a key role in making sure that the college continues to receive this much needed assistance.

One prime example was the recent announcement that ABAC will receive $250,000 through the Georgia Project. Representative Sanford Bishop played an important part in securing the funding, which will promote English as a Second Language (ESL) to Hispanic K-12 students.

For many years, ABAC has operated the Upward Bound Classic and Upward Bound Tiftarea programs, which provide college preparatory classes for low income and potential first generation college students.

The College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) has assisted many migrant/seasonal farm workers and their dependents in their goal of enrolling in college and successfully completing the freshman year.

Another program which aids many Hispanics and migrant/seasonal farm workers is the High School Equivalency (HEP) program, which assists adults who do not have a high school diploma. They enroll in classes to obtain a GED certificate.

The Gaining Early Awareness/Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) prepares area teenagers for enrollment in postsecondary educational institutions.

On campus, Graydon heads up an area called Student Support Services, which provides academic support services for first generation ABAC students as well as individuals with disabilities.

“ABAC would not be the college it is today without this federal support,” Call said. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who represent us well in Washington.”

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