The College Crusade of Rhode Island announced it has been awarded a TG Public Benefit Grant of $105,982 to support college access and readiness programs for Rhode Island’s low-income urban students. TG awarded a total of $6.2 million in competitive grants to 55 institutions and nonprofit organizations nationwide this year to advance access to college, student retention and educational research. Besides The College Crusade of Rhode Island, the only other New England grant recipient was Dynamy, Inc., of Worcester, Mass.

"Congratulations to The College Crusade for being selected as a TG Public Benefit grant recipient and for securing new resources to invest in our efforts to prepare Rhode Island youth for college," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "Higher education is a necessity for young people if they are to thrive in today's challenging economic environment, and this grant will help more students gain the skills necessary to advance. The College Crusade is doing remarkable work as a partner to improve urban education outcomes and ensure that more young Rhode Islanders are prepared for a path of college and career success."

Todd D. Flaherty, Ed.D., interim president and CEO for The College Crusade said the grant focuses on the single goal of increasing academic success for students.

“It provides major funding for The College Crusade’s core programs in literacy and adventure education for middle school students, and it underwrites a year’s worth of SAT test preparation for high school students,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to TG for their substantial investment in so many deserving Rhode Island students.”

President and CEO of TG Sue McMillin agreed that the grant is focused and promises to assist countless students across the state.

“These programs deliver targeted educational support to students at multiple grade levels and are proven for getting results,” he said. “TG recognizes the importance of supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college or who are from groups that are under-represented in higher education, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to programs designed to increase college access and success for Rhode Island students.”