In conjunction with over 17 schools across the state of Ohio, Mansfield City Schools (MCS) received the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
The grant is designed to assist low-income and first-generation college students prepare for college and receive the support needed to achieve postsecondary success.
MCS plans to direct these funds to students in grades 7-12. The goal is to ensure that students can articulate their career goals with a specific pathway earlier and with a greater understanding of the requirements.
“This opportunity is amazing for our students and we are truly grateful to the U.S. Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Higher Education for including us in this important initiative,” said Nikia Fletcher, Director of College and Career Readiness.
MCS will partner with North Central State College to expand services to students in the applicable grades including after-school and summer programming. Other plans include partnering with local colleges and universities to increase families' knowledge of financial aid resources, including FAFSA, and to provide scholarships to students for whom college is essential to their career pathway.
The award is estimated to be $271,296 over the next seven years - totaling $1.89 million.
For more information, contact Nikia Fletcher at 419-525-6701, extension 1069 or by email at fletcher.nikia@mansfieldschoolsorg.