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Exciting News: MAPS #124 Awarded the GEAR UP Grant!

11/15/2024

We are thrilled to share that Milford Area Public Schools #124 has been selected as a recipient of the GEAR UP Grant! This opportunity reflects our ongoing commitment to Building the Extraordinary for our students and families. Having worked with this grant in my previous district, I am eager to bring its transformative resources and benefits to MAPS.

Here’s what the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant means for our schools:

What is the GEAR UP Grant?

The GEAR UP grant is a 7-year federal initiative funded by the Department of Education and administered by ISAC. Its primary goal is to prepare students for college and career success through targeted support and engagement.

Key Features of the GEAR UP Grant

  • Cohort and Priority Model:
    The grant supports 11th and 12th graders as priority students while also building a cohort program starting with 6th and 7th graders in the 2024-25 school year. Each year, new grade levels will be added, with grades 6–8 included by 2025-26.
  • Tutoring Access:
    High-quality, on-demand tutoring will be available to help students excel academically.
  • GEAR UP Coordinator:
    A dedicated GEAR UP Coordinator will oversee all grant-related activities, including:
    • Implementing the PaCE (Postsecondary and Career Expectations) curriculum for middle school students.
    • Supporting high school juniors and seniors with college applications, one-on-one advising, and parent engagement events.
    • Organizing educational field trips, classroom presentations, homework check-ins, and quarterly family events.
  • Funding Support:
    • The GEAR UP Coordinator’s salary is fully reimbursed.
    • Approximately $40,000 in annual subgrant funding will support program activities, including the purchase of innovative resources such as zSpaces for MGS and MHS.
  • Scholarship Opportunities:
    Graduating seniors participating in GEAR UP will be eligible for scholarships ranging from $750 to full-ride awards for postsecondary programs.

We are proud to bring this incredible opportunity to MAPS #124 as we continue to empower our students for success in school and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on how GEAR UP will help us Build the Extraordinary!

For questions or more information, feel free to contact me at the district office.

Sincerely,
John Klaber
Superintendent, MAPS #124