By Erin Albanese
Grand Rapids Community College is the recipient of a $2.1 million, six-year grant from the U.S. Education Department to boost chances for all students to succeed in college and beyond.
The college will partner with the Godfrey-Lee, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Wyoming school districts in using the grant, allocated through the Gaining Early Awareness for Readiness for Undergraduate Programs – or GEAR UP.
The competitive federal program provides resources to promote college awareness; improve performance in math and writing; increase high school graduation rates; and improve students’ transitions from middle school to high school, and from high school to college – particularly for at-risk, low-income and first-generation students.
GRCC is the only Michigan college to receive the federal grant this year.
The funds will serve a cohort of seventh-graders, following them from middle school to high school and off to college or career training. GEAR UP funds also can provide college scholarships to low-income students.
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