More than 80 University of California leaders and advocates from all 10 campuses mobilized forces on Capitol Hill June 22 and 23 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 and senior leaders aimed 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 demonstrated how vital the federal partnership is and shared 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.

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.

Go to the UC Newsroom to read Katherine Tam’s full story.

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