The Iowa Department of Education announced on Sept. 25 that the Marshalltown Community School District was awarded with a federal GEAR UP grant, which will support students over a seven- year period.
The federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, commonly referred to as GEAR UP, provides competitive matching grants to states and partnerships working with high-need middle and high schools. The program provides a variety of services aimed at preparing students and families academically, financially and inspirationally to enroll and succeed in college and other postsecondary education pathways. Iowa’s grant will provide funding and support to 13 Iowa school districts over a seven-year period. This is the third competitive GEAR UP grant awarded to the state.
GEAR UP Iowa will follow a cohort of current seventh-grade students through high school graduation in 2029 and into their first year of postsecondary education. The Iowa Department of Education announced the state was awarded with over $25.8 million in federal GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education. MCSD will receive information at a later date what the actual dollar amount will be for Marshalltown students.
“MCSD is thrilled to have been selected for the Class of 2029, this year’s seventh graders, to be chosen to receive GEAR UP support,” said Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte. “Our involvement in GEAR UP over the years has significantly supported our college and career readiness efforts at Miller Middle School, Marshalltown High School and Marshalltown Learning Academy, on behalf of all of our students.”
Funding will help MCSD to do the following:
- Grow college and career readiness efforts for all students.
- Increase school counselor and staff capacity in providing college and career counseling.
- Provide targeted wrap-around services to meet the academic, behavioral and emotional needs of students and their families.
- Offer college and career advising, exploration and transition services rooted in students’ Individualized Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) to reinforce their aspirations with a clear plan to and through postsecondary opportunities.
In addition, half of the GEAR UP federal funding, along with more than $8 million in partner contributions, will be dedicated to scholarships for GEAR UP Iowa students to pursue up to four years of postsecondary education and training beyond high school.
More information about GEAR UP Iowa is available at https://iowacollegeaid.gov/GEARUPiowa.
