The Long Beach Unified School District has won a $22.4-million federal grant to boost college readiness during the next six years. Implementation began this fall with sixth-grade students at 13 schools, assisting them as they progress through grades to local high schools.
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Education (GEAR UP) grant will be used to improve teacher training, academic counseling and parent awareness of post-secondary options, preparation and financing.
“This is a wonderful opportunity that complements a growing number of college prep in our schools,” said Christopher J. Steinhauser, superintendent of schools. The GEAR UP grant will help make the dream of a college education a reality for thousands of youngsters.
Middle and K-8 schools participating in the grant are Butler, DeMille, Franklin, Hamilton, Hill, Jefferson, Lindbergh, Marshall, Powell, Robinson, Stephens, Lindsey and Washington.
Authorized by Congress in 1998, GEAR UP is designed to increase the college-going rate of lower-income students. More than 75 percent of students at each of the local schools participating in the grant are eligible to receive free lunches.
Students will receive additional help with writing, organization and test-taking strategies by taking AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) classes as an elective. They will also participate in MESA (Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement), a statewide program that promotes academic achievement in math-related fields through tutoring, small-group activities, participation in regional events, curriculum training for teachers, field trips to science facilities and other activities that introduce students to math and science professionals.
And beginning in sixth grade, students and parents will participate in annual conferences with counselors to discuss academic progress, set achievement goals and plan to meet post-secondary requirements. For more information about GEAR UP and the LBUSD, contact Chris Eftychiou at (562) 997-8250.
