Congressmen Patrick McHenry today announced the U.S. House of Representatives approved $100,000 in funding for the Appalachian State University Center at the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) in Hudson, NC. The funding is included in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2008 (H.R. 3043), which passed the House on July 19, 2007.

“This much-needed funding will go a long way in improving educational opportunities in Western North Carolina at all levels,” said Congressman McHenry. “Not only does the Appalachian Center offer undergraduate programs for aspiring teachers, but it will also provide our local elementary, middle, and high schools with a pool of talented teachers to fill their classroom needs.”

“Education is a key component to economic development. For our economy to rebound, it is important for quality educational opportunities like this to be available locally,” McHenry added.

A partnership program between Appalachian State University and CCC&TI, the Appalachian Center offers training and support for local teachers as well as undergraduate education degrees.

“Congressman McHenry was very effective in getting funding for this worthwhile project passed in the House,” said Faye Higgins, Chairman of the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners. “This will help a great deal with Appalachian State’s presence on the CCC&TI campus, which continues to have a tremendous impact in Caldwell County and the surrounding region.”

The Appalachian Center is the product of an arrangement reached between Appalachian State University (ASU) and CCC&TI in June of 2003, which was announced alongside a $1 million start-up grant from the Broyhill Family Foundation.

The House passed H.R. 3043 by a vote of 276 to 140. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.