GEAR UP Grant Will Help Fund Tools Needed to Build College Awareness
Des Moines, IA., May 28, 2009 -- The Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) announced $140, 600 was awarded to Des Moines Public Schools through the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Iowa program. Students attending one of seven Des Moines Independent School District middle schools will benefit from this grant- Callanan, Harding, Hiatt, Hoyt, McCombs, Meredith and Weeks.
GEAR UP Iowa, administered by Iowa College Aid, is a federal grant program intended to serve low-income students starting in the seventh-grade. The program is designed to improve college access and preparation from middle school to graduation. "Before students can make the commitment to prepare for college, they need to have access to the tools for success," said Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid. "Iowa College Aid is privileged to be involved in a program that provides essential resources to aid students."
The GEAR UP grant will allow the schools to purchase the equipment necessary to improve the technology available to students. "The GEAR UP Iowa program brings with it some amazing resources for the participating schools in Des Moines, as well as the students and families," said Nancy Wright, GEAR UP coordinator for Des Moines Public Schools. "All of the schools are able to enhance the 21st century skills of their students by increasing the amount of technology available for student use. Additionally, students who are part of the GEAR UP Iowa cohort will be guaranteed a substantial amount of scholarship money for college."
GEAR UP Iowa is a six-year grant program being implemented in 31 Iowa schools that will provide state-wide resources and services to more than 5,400 students and their families year-round. The program is intended to help students discover the importance of education, improve academic skills, identify career interests, and explore college opportunities. Resources and services provided to the students and their families include
academic planning and counseling, tutoring and mentoring, information sessions on college admissions and financial aid, job shadowing, increased access to after school and summer programs, and college scholarships.
Iowa was one of seven states to be awarded a new state GEAR UP grant in 2008 and will receive funding of $2.8 million annually for a total of six years. More information about the GEAR UP Iowa program is available at Iowa College Aid's website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov or by contacting a GEAR UP Iowa representative at 877-272-4456.
About the Iowa College Student Aid Commission
As the state's designated guaranty agency for the Family Federal Education Loan Program (FFELP), Iowa College Aid guarantees more than $696 million annually in student loans from private lenders to support over 77,000 Iowa students and parents. In addition, Iowa College Aid administers state scholarship, grant, and loan forgiveness programs totaling over $69.5 million, provides borrowers with assistance to avoid the serious consequences of default, conducts research and distributes higher education data, and offers Iowans assistance in obtaining student financial aid and college-related information. More information is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.
Posted 06/04/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.
