Heritage will receive $600K grant

TOPPENISH, Wash. -- Heritage University is receiving close to $600,000 in federal aid to promote entrepreneurship and tourism in the Yakima Valley.

The money, shared by
10 colleges and universities in the nation, is part of a $6 million grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development department.

The funding is provided through HUD's Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities program, which strives to revitalize neighborhoods, promote affordable housing and stimulate economic development.

This is the fourth such grant received by Heritage, a private university in Toppenish, in the past several years.

"We've had good experience with HUD folks," said Rick Gagnier, the university's chief financial officer. "The fact we've gotten four shows they've been pleased with how we've handled (the grants) also."

With the money, Heritage will partner with the University of Washington to offer training sessions on the tourism industry to cities and economic development groups. At least 12 sessions will be offered per year over a three-year period. The program will be directed by Ricardo Valdez.

Heritage's other grants, which also totaled about $600,000, were used to help build a training center on campus, establish an entrepreneurial outreach program in Wapato and Toppenish, and develop the university's early childhood center.

To qualify for the funding, at least 25 percent of the institution's full-time undergraduate students must be Hispanic. All applicants also must offer two- or four-year degrees that are fully accredited.

*Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.