Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs James T. Minor will give remarks at the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships’ Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Capacity-Building Workshop in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Feb. 10. He will highlight the proposals the President has made around expanding college access and increasing affordability in higher education, including free community college for those who qualify. The workshop will provide information on innovative programs, leading research and practical tips and tools that GEAR UP grantees can use to strengthen their programs.
The GEAR UP program is a competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The program serves low-income, minority and disadvantaged first-generation college students and their families. Students begin receiving services no later than 7th grade, and those services continue into their first year of college. Services provided through the grant include early college awareness and support activities such as tutoring, mentoring, academic preparation, financial education and college scholarships to improve access to higher education.