Duval County Public Schools Receives $3 Million Grant
JACKSONVILLE - Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) has been selected as the only school district in Florida, and one of six in the country, to receive a $3 million GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The ‘Dreams for Our Future’ GEAR UP grant will enable the district to continue its college readiness and access efforts for nearly 1,000 students in middle schools and communities where large achievement and income gaps exist.
Middle schools included in the grant are Matthew Gilbert, Jean Ribault, Northwestern and Paxon.
DCPS will collaborate with the city’s colleges and universities, community support agencies (Project Reach and Communities in Schools), existing GEAR UP students and faculty members, parents, community members, and district educators to provide a wide range of project services, including: guidance counseling/support, career planning, mentoring, college awareness activities, parent involvement services, and academic/tutorial support.
The purpose of the program is to:
- improve academic preparedness and performances of students for postsecondary education;
- increase graduation rates and enrollment in institutions of higher learning;
- increase awareness and participation among students and parents in programs and activities that support an understanding of postsecondary enrollment requirements, funding options, and opportunities; and
- increase scholarship opportunities for the high school graduates, as supported by collaborations with the local colleges, city and community agencies, and school district.
The grant will be funded over a six-year period, with nearly $500,000 awarded each year.
Duval County Public Schools operates more than 160 schools and serves approximately 125,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.
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