FORT MITCHELL — Covington's Urban Learning Center, where residents have access to college courses and technical training, is to receive $75,000 in federal funding.

        U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas, a Boone County Democrat running for re-election in Northern Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, announced Friday that the money is included in a spending bill signed by President Clinton.

        "Education is the great equalizer, no matter whether you're rich or poor, black or white,” Mr. Lucas said in a statement. "The Urban Learning Center is a tre mendous initiative to expand educational opportunities in Northern Kentucky.”

        The Urban Learning Center provides low-cost college courses and technical training to adults. The center — a partnership among Forward Quest, Northern Kentucky University, Thomas More College, Northern Kentucky Technical College, Covington Independent Schools and the Covington Community Center — has grown from two courses and 40 students in 1998 to nine courses and 149 students this year.

        "The funding that Congressman Lucas has secured is absolutely critical to ensure that the Urban Learning Center's story of hope, access and opportunity continues to grow for the people it serves,” said James Votruba, NKU president.

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