The University of Maryland, Baltimore County has received $2.3 million in federal money as part of a national Department of Housing and Urban Development program to reduce lead poisoning among children in Baltimore City.

The grant was awarded to the Community Lead Education and Reduction Corps [CLEARCorps] at UMBC's Shriver Center. It is part of an $80 million HUD program to attack lead poisoning nationwide. The problem is considered the greatest environmental threat to children, especially those living in older, economically depressed areas.

CLEARCorps enables teams from AmeriCorps to fulfill their public service commitment by clearing housing units of lead paint and dust.