Oct. 26, 2007           

$2 MILLION FROM LEWIS AND CLARK DISCOVERY INITIATIVE
WILL BENEFIT STUDENTS
AT ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Missouri’s investment in higher education through funding of the governor’s landmark Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative will directly benefit area residents pursuing an education at St. Charles Community College (SCC), the college’s president said in announcing the receipt of a $2 million one-time distribution from the state.

President John McGuire said SCC will use the money to fund academic and information technology projects including a $650,000 organic chemistry lab and nearly $300,000 in “smart” classroom IT upgrades affecting 58 of the college’s 75 classrooms and labs. Campus security and computer security enhancements will also be funded, as well as upgrades to improve network and Web-based student communications.  In addition, a mobile (laptop) computer lab, training for IT personnel, and an outdoor classroom walking trail for science courses are to be funded.

 McGuire hailed the state initiative as a much-needed financial infusion to higher education that will prepare Missouri citizens for the academic and technology demands of the future.

 “The governor and the Legislature are to be commended for helping Missouri colleges and universities improve programs and facilities to encourage and support effective teaching and learning,” McGuire said. “The funds we have received can be used immediately and in the near future to implement classroom technology and campuswide projects and improvements, many of which have been in the planning for a long time but that we previously were unable to fund.”

The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative was made possible by the sale of $335 million in loan assets of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). The initiative is a partnership between MOHELA and the state, authorized through legislation and supported by lawmakers. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and the Office of Administration are working with universities and colleges to process the funds beginning this fall to two-year and four-year colleges and universities throughout the state. Missouri’s 12 community college districts are receiving one-time payments of $2 million each, and four-year colleges and universities will receive payments based on requested capital and program expenditures over the next five years.

“This funding will help ensure Missouri’s role as a leader in higher education and provide our students with state-of-the-art learning centers so that they can more effectively compete in the global economy,” Gov. Matt Blunt said in a news release announcing the fund distribution.

 “Working together with the governor, the Legislature, and our local citizens in support of education will go a long way to ensuring a bright future for all who seek to improve themselves and prepare for gainful employment,” McGuire said. “The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative will help ensure that our students reach their highest potential and that Missouri can move to the forefront in higher education excellence.”

SCC received the $2 million disbursement on Oct. 19.

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Last Updated: 10/26/07