More than 80 University of California leaders and advocates from all 10 campuses will mobilize forces on Capitol Hill starting tomorrow (June 22) to push for strong, sustainable federal funding for education and research.
As part of UC Day in D.C. 2011, a diverse team of students, veterans, alumni, faculty, staff, researchers as well as senior leaders aims to meet with all 55 members of the California delegation as well as UC alumni in Congress, including those on key committees, over two days. The delegates will show how vital the federal partnership is and share how UC makes a difference in education and research on critical issues facing California and the country.
"There is no one better to tell UC's story than the people who are benefiting from the federal funds we receive: the students, researchers and faculty," said Gary Falle, associate vice president of federal governmental relations. "This federal funding is critical to UC's mission of education, research and public service."
At more than $3 billion a year, federal dollars account for the lion's share of financing for UC's critical research programs. Part of this funding, and the theme for this two-day advocacy effort, is programs servicing our veterans which support national security and veterans' health. These projects include robotics, designing sturdier military vessels, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and stem cell research to heal wounds.
The benefit of this research goes well beyond the military. It can lead to new energy sources, more efficient computer networking, structurally sound buildings and medical treatments that help everyone.
In addition, UC students receive more than $779 million in federal financial aid, including $322.5 million in Pell Grant funding. More than 72,000 low-income students received federal Pell Grants in 2010.
More than 1,350 UC students are veterans or have some other type of military status, such as active duty or National Guard. Nearly 600 of UC student veterans receive post-Sept. 11 G.I. Bill benefits to cover their education costs. Across the system, UC has in place comprehensive educational support programs for student veterans, with services that range from priority class registration to veteran-specific orientation and for-credit courses that help acclimate veterans to their campuses.
At the state level, UC already faces at least a $500 million funding cut as California grapples with its budget crisis. In March as part of UC Day in Sacramento, UC staff and alumni lobbied and testified at budget hearings at the state capital to push for a long-term funding solution that preserves the quality of public higher education.
Katherine Tam is employee communications coordinator in Internal Communications, Office of the President. For more news, visit the UC Newsroom or follow us on Twitter.