J.V. Martin To Share In GEAR UP Grant

By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon District Four School Board was informed on Monday night, October 17th, that J.V. Martin Jr. High School will share in a grant awarded to the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education (CHE).
The $22,786,282 GEAR UP grant will span seven years and will serve 24 middle schools. J.V. Martin’s award for the first year is $116,804.
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. In addition to the $22+ million federal award, “in-kind matching contributions in the amount of $16,556,700 from CHE’s GEAR UP partner, The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and in-kind contributions from other partners around the state, the total value of the grant is $46,362,962 over seven years,” according to a press release from the CHE.
“SC GEAR UP will provide direct services to 24 middle schools, both rural and low-income along the I-95 corridor, and give students the academic skills and support they need to prepare for, enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Beginning with seventh graders and continuing through high school and their freshman year of college, SC GEAR UP will help 3,623 students and families in our state to pursue their dreams of attaining postsecondary education. SC GEAR UP will provide mentors and tutors to help students improve their study skills and grades; encourage student enrollment in rigorous and challenging coursework; skill assessment; staff professional development; introduce students to institutions of higher education; disseminate information to students and parents about the path to college, financial literacy education, and scholarships; and improve the number of students obtaining a high school diploma, completing applications and enrollment
in postsecondary education,” the CHE press release states.
At the meeting, Lynn Liebenrood told the board that there were 260 submissions nationwide, and South Carolina was one of the 52 awarded Liebenrood said funds will be used for salary/benefits, travel supplies, a computer, student field trips, summer school/credit recovery and tutors.
A graduation coach will follow the class for seven years until the class graduates.
The board approved Cynthia Hulon for the job of graduation coach. Dr. Polly Elkins said one of the reasons Hulon was selected was due to her efforts to help J.V. Martin get chosen for the grant. Liebenrood noted that Hulon had gone through the training and had the expertise to carry the grant through.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email