JPS receives $10 million GEAR UP grant for nearly 2,000 middle-school students

What happened

JPS has received a more than $10 million federal GEAR UP grant serving nearly 2,000 current seventh- and eighth-graders at six middle schools. The program adds college- and career-readiness support, including graduation coaches, after-school and summer programming, and activities with college and community partners.

Why it matters to families

The grant gives a large cohort of middle-school students sustained support with attendance, course performance and preparation for high school and college, with the cohort expected to continue into JPS high schools.

The evidence

At the October 20 meeting, district staff said JPS was awarded a little over $10 million and that the current cohort includes nearly 2,000 seventh- and eighth-graders at Blackburn, Brinkley, Cardozo, Kirksey, Lanier Junior Senior, and Peoples. Staff described four graduation coaches serving the district's six middle schools and programming including camps, field trips and after-school activities.

The source