JCHS Hoping To Apply For Another GEAR UP Grant

Jackson County School District is one of the few in the state eligible to reapply for the state’s GEAR UP grant.

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said they are coming to the end of a several-year grant aimed at increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. He said they are able to reapply because they have exhibited so much success through their efforts in the program.

“I think that’s a testament to what the GEAR UP team at Jackson County High has done,” Hardy said. “To show that there has been some good improvement along the way, that they’re willing to possibly let us continue doing that to meet the goal, which is that we want to get as many students and as many families aware as possible, just of the opportunities.”

Hardy said the GEAR UP funds are instrumental to the program. He said the money helps cover college visits that are farther away and the structures needed to help students actually have access to the program.

Hardy said they will assemble a tear to prepare to go before the GEAR UP committee and explain why the school district deserves an opportunity at a new grant. He said he expects that meeting to be within the next few months.

“We’ve been planning that when this is finished to have the resources in place, this is what the goal has long been, that even without the grant and the support from the grant we can continue doing the things we’ve put in place these last six years,” Hardy said. “To have the success for our kids to go and learn more about post-secondary opportunities. ”

The GEAR UP program at Jackson County High School is headed by Gary Flynn.