Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced $3.5 million awarded to the Nevada Department of Education to increase opportunities for low-income middle and high school students. Provided through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), the grant will finance educational services at high-poverty schools and fund scholarships for low-income students.
“Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and this funding provides low-income students across Nevada with the tools and resources they need to thrive academically. We’re excited to see Nevada’s bright young minds unlock their potential and explore their passions through these new educational opportunities.”
BACKGROUND
GEAR UP is a discretionary grant program through the U.S. Department of Education designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school. GEAR UP funds are also used to provide college scholarships to low-income students.
This grant awarded to the Nevada Department of Education totaled $3,500,000.
A letter supporting the GEAR UP program was co-led by Senator Rosen and supported by Senator Cortez Masto earlier this year.
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