The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Rhode Island $33.6 million to help high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds access college and career education programs.
The funding, which will be distributed through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, is expected to support 4,000 students annually over the next seven years.
The program will provide students with wrap-around services and comprehensive supports beginning in grade six, continuing through their first year of college. The federal government has awarded Rhode Island the funds to support the GEAR UP program, which is being administered by the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner in partnership with Onward We Learn, formerly known as the College Crusade of Rhode Island.
“Our students deserve all the support we can provide for their future,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “This federal funding for GEAR UP RI will help students across Rhode Island access the tools they need to meet their educational goals and get set up for success. I thank Onward We Learn and the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner for their work to help every student realize their dreams.”
“Two of our Administration’s top priorities are improving educational outcomes for students and increasing incomes for all Rhode Islanders. This federal funding is crucial to helping us continue the momentum toward reaching both goals,” said Governor Dan McKee. “GEAR UP not only helps students get to college, but also gives them the tools to secure a good-paying job, a fulfilling career, and a better future for their family. I’m thankful to our Congressional Delegation for their unwavering support of Rhode Island students. We’re ready to help put these dollars to work.”
Read more about this program here.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
