Dear john,

Today, I joined Texas A&M International University President Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Dr. Ruvini Pathirana, and Dr. Alfredo Ramirez to announce that I have helped deliver $3,500,857 in Department of Education and National Science Foundation grants. 

The $2,999,955 Department of Education Grant will be used to expand opportunities for Hispanic students in South Texas over 5 years, increasing educational achievement and moving our region forward. This grant will also support a Title V initiative and will focus on measurable statistics of success, like enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. 

The $500,902 National Science Foundation grant will fund a research project led by microbiology professor Dr. Ruvini Pathirana. STEM education is essential for students in our region to help move forward into well-paying careers. With this research, students will have experience with biochemistry, bioinformatics, genetics, and molecular microbiology. 

"We are truly appreciative of the leadership and partnership provided by Congressman Cuellar in helping secure these. We know that our students have tremendous capacity to succeed in all fields, and especially STEM fields. These grants provide them with innovative research and lab training opportunities and also provide them with support activities and resources that can help them earn their degrees and drive a brighter future for them, our community, state and country," Dr. Arenaz said. 

Thank you to TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Dr. Ruvini Pathirana, Dr. Alfredo Ramirez and everyone who attended today for joining me to celebrate this transformational investment in education for South Texas' students.  I know that educational opportunity in our region is essential for our children to have the chance to put their best foot forward in a rapidly changing economy. In Congress, I will always fight for all South Texas students to have the best educational opportunities possible so they can move our communities towards more safety, health, and prosperity.