GEAR UP Appalachia!

Program Goals

To increase academic performance and college readiness
To increase high school graduation rates and college-going rates
To build and enrich a college-going culture in the schools and communities we serve

Program Overview

The grant serves a cohort of middle school students, following them through high school and into college.  Externally Sponsored Programs employs regional service coordinators and school-based academic specialists to implement programs and liaise with school districts. Program staff monitor research-based targets and benchmarks for schools and districts while academic specialists use an early warning system to provide interventions for at-risk students. Program wide initiatives include a mentoring program and parent engagement work through the Families and Schools Together (FAST) Program and the Prichard Committee.

Service Impact

GEAR UP Appalachia serves eight southeastern Kentucky counties and nine school districts: Estill County, Garrard County, Laurel County, Lee County, Madison County, Berea Community, Powell County, Pulaski County and Rockcastle County. Programs from this grant serve 6,684 students and their families.