The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) has been awarded$18 million in federal funding for a six-year program to help middle and high school studentsprepare for and pursue a college education.
The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grantfrom the U.S. Department of Education will fund programs and services for low-income WestVirginia students who have been identified as being at risk of not pursuing an education pasthigh school. Approximately 13,000 students will participate in the project at schools in 10 counties, including Boone, Clay, Lincoln, McDowell, Mingo, Roane, Summers, Webster, Wirt and Wyoming.
West Virginia GEAR UP will provide specialized academic preparation programs as well as financial incentives for students to attend college. The project will include programs aimed at increasing parent/guardian involvement in the education and educational aspirations of students. The funding also will be used for financial aid and career awareness programs for students, parents and schools to help remove the cultural barriers that keep students from furthering their educations.
“The work of our staff in preparing the comprehensive grant proposal, and the support of Governor Joe Manchin and First Lady Gayle Manchin, our state’s Congressional delegation and state superintendent of schools Dr. Steve Paine, have given us a valuable opportunity,” said Dr. Brian Noland, HEPC chancellor. “GEAR UP’s emphasis on improving the academic preparation of our students, as well as its goal of increasing the awareness of students and their families about the importance of higher education, will make a real difference in the lives of West Virginians for generations to come.”
The first lady, who was responsible for professional development activities associated with a previous GEAR UP grant based at Fairmont State University, agreed.
“The governor and I know firsthand what GEAR UP can mean for students, faculty, parents and communities for expanding horizons, creating hope and delivering success,” she added. “We certainly will support and advocate for this outstanding initiative.”
West Virginia GEAR UP was one of 24 funded nationally this year from among more than 280 applications. HEPC’s partners in the project include the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia; the West Virginia Department of Education; the school systems in the 10 target counties; Concord University, Glenville State College, and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, which will each house a regional coordinator for the project; and a number of other agencies and organizations.
HEPC is the coordinating body for the state’s four-year public colleges and universities. The commission is responsible for developing, establishing and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the institutions. HEPC’s master plan, Charting the Future 2007-2012, is available online at www.wvhepc.org.
For more information about West Virginia GEAR UP, contact Dr. Adam Green at green@hepc.wvnet.edu or (304) 558-1112.
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“If students in West Virginia are to forge ahead in today’s global economy, we must provide them with the tools they need to succeed in this ever-changing environment. I am living proof of the power of a first-rate education, and the opportunities for a better future it can provide. GEAR UP enables our students to have the skills and confidence that will pave their way to a post-secondary education—which is vital in today’s economy.”— U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.)
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education, and this award will help young students make better decisions to prepare for their futures. I commend GEAR UP for recognizing the potential within each student in rural West Virginia. Our students are some of the hardest-working in the nation, and, with these needed resources, will be able to expand their knowledge and skills as they become our next generation of leaders.” — U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.)
"Preparing our students for college and higher education is vital to the long-term success of young people throughout West Virginia. The GEAR UP funding will help ensure that we’re providing the resources for that goal to become a reality. Many of our low-income students face unique obstacles when it comes to education, but GEAR UP will help break down those barriers and close the gap. This is great news for West Virginia and I'm excited to see that our state will be the recipient of this important funding." — U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)
“The funding of GEAR UP is certainly wonderful news that tracks with our state’s ongoing effort to increase the number of students who pursue higher education opportunities. I am particularly proud of the participation of Glenville State College as a host site for one of the regional coordinators in the program. Glenville has a long tradition of helping people of its region pursue educational opportunities. Participation in this program falls within that tradition. I commend the Higher Education Policy Commission for pursing this opportunity and look forward to positive results.” — U.S. Congressman Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.Va.)
“In today’s competitive economy, education is the key to opportunity and a successful future. Unfortunately, access to higher education in southern West Virginia is often barred by the rigors of rural, country life. By reaching out to students in underserved areas, the GEAR UP program is paving the way for a brighter future for our state. I welcome GEAR UP to southern West Virginia and look forward to working together to make higher education available for all West Virginians.” — U.S. Congressman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.)
“The West Virginia Board of Education and Department of Education are committed to improving the college-going rates and student achievement levels of all West Virginia students. This program, combined with our 21st Century Learning initiative, will help students build a solid academic foundation on which to continue their education beyond high school.” — Dr. Steve Paine, state superintendent of schools
“There is no question that education is the key to the future economic vitality of our state and the nation. This grant will enable us to more successfully share the reality of the need for a college education in the 21st century with the young students and future leaders of West Virginia.” — Dr. Peter B. Barr, president of Glenville State College
“Standing proudly with other partners in this project, the grant will empower us to improve upon that which we have done for more than a century—provide access to those who desperately need and deserve an affordable, high-quality education. We move forward with deep appreciation to the Higher Education Policy Commission for its diligence in securing these funds.” — Dr. Jerry L. Beasley, president of Concord University
"Southern serves an area of West Virginia where the college-going rate is extremely low. This grant will present more opportunity for Southern representatives to get directly into the high schools and promote what we do best ... helping students be prepared for new jobs in a technology-based work force."— Joanne Jaeger Tomblin, president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Dr. Adam Green