Cal Poly Pomona, Supported By Congressman Gary Miller, Receives Major Grant For Community Outreach

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has presented Cal Poly Pomona with a grant to develop a Community Outreach Partnership Center. The $399,979 award was jointly announced in Washington, DC, by Rep. Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar) and Dr. Bob H. Suzuki, President of Cal Poly Pomona. The grant came as a direct result of support the university received from Rep. Miller.

"This grant will greatly advance Cal Poly Pomona's partnership with the city of Pomona," said President Bob H. Suzuki. "It is a university-wide objective to exemplify service learning, which gives our students valuable life experience while at the same time providing assistance for our neighboring community."

The outreach program is a multi-year commitment involving faculty, staff and students from across Cal Poly Pomona's disciplines, with professor Aubrey Fine as the principal investigator of the project. The university will work toward providing individuals in the Angela Chanslor neighborhood of south Pomona with job training opportunities and increased access to social and health services. Additionally, the program will also offer educational opportunities for residents of all ages.

"Cal Poly Pomona has proven itself to be a solid community partner," said Miller. Formerly mayor of Diamond Bar and state assembly member, Miller now represents the 41st congressional district, which includes the city of Pomona and the Cal Poly Pomona campus.

"I am pleased to see HUD has taken note of their proposal and provided this grant," he said. "The center is designed to improve the quality of life for numerous individuals, and I wish Cal Poly Pomona great success as they begin take this concept from paper and into the Angela Chanslor community."