West Hills district, West Hills Coalinga get grants

The West Hills Community College District and West Hills College Coalinga have received two five-year grants from the U.S. Department of Education.

West Hills Community College District was awarded $475,000 annually for its district-wide High School Equivalency Program, an educational program that helps students from migrant or seasonal farmworker families in the Coalinga, Lemoore and Firebaugh areas. These students who have dropped out of high school can get their High School Equivalency credential through HEP, and the grant will provide up to 100 students with instruction, supplies and financial assistance.

West Hills College Coalinga was awarded $270,961 annually for its Student Support Systems Program, which provides academic and other services to low-income, first generation or disabled students. The funding will help more than 200 students a year.

“These grants are so important because, as much as anything, they will help ensure that these high-risk students succeed in college,” said Anita Wright, director of grants for the West Hills Community College District.

This story was originally published August 7, 2015 at 12:22 PM with the headline "West Hills district, West Hills Coalinga get grants."