INEZ — Martin County School District is among 12 Kentucky districts selected to participate in a $22.6 million federal initiative helping students in rural, high-poverty communities prepare for college and careers.
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Elevate grant was awarded Oct. 1 to the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC). It will provide approximately $3.23 million annually across the participating districts over seven years to strengthen postsecondary access and success for underserved students.
Martin County Schools will partner with KEDC to implement services that promote academic achievement, increase high school graduation rates and expand family awareness of college options and financial aid.
“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for our students, families, and communities,” KEDC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Hutchinson said in a press release. “Together with our partners, we will ensure students see postsecondary education as not only possible but attainable.”
GEAR UP is a national program designed to help local partnerships—K-12 schools, higher-education institutions, state agencies and community organizations—achieve three goals:
- Increase students’ academic performance and readiness for postsecondary education.
- Improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates.
- Raise knowledge of college options, preparation, and financing among students and families.
The program identifies entire cohorts of seventh-grade students in low-income schools and follows them through high school graduation, offering academic, social and planning support.
Participating districts will receive:
- Academic support and college-readiness programs.
- College-awareness and mentoring opportunities.
- Financial-literacy education for students and parents.
- Parent and family engagement workshops.
- Early-intervention supports.
- Professional development for educators.
By engaging students early and building a college-going culture, GEAR UP intends to transform educational outcomes in eastern Kentucky.
The twelve participating districts are Martin, Bourbon, Boyd, Harrison, Johnson, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Morgan, Nicholas, Rockcastle and Rowan counties.