Office of Communications and Marketing Trish McBeath | 918-465-1804 or Karli Davis| 918-465-1803

Area schools learn how Easterns $12.6 million GEAR UP grant will benefit students
WILBURTON, OK (Nov. 16, 2011) More than 100 area public school teachers, counselors and administrators met at Eastern Oklahoma State College today to learn how the colleges $12.6 million GEAR UP grant will help them prepare students for postsecondary education. The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal initiative to increase the number of low-income students who enter and successfully transition into postsecondary education. Eastern will receive $12,625,000 over the next seven years to help students in 30 partner schools. Eastern President Dr. Steve Smith welcomed the participants and stressed the need for the program. Were all here for the same reason. Were all trying to encourage the value of education in southeastern Oklahoma. Its a challenge, but we all want the best for our students, Smith said. This GEAR UP grant will make a difference. Youll see the benefits for your students, teachers and schools. The GEAR UP for Success program, which starts immediately, will serve current sixth and seventh grade students throughout high school graduation and college admission. The grant serves 30 partner schools in six counties, including Antlers, Atoka, Bokoshe, Buffalo Valley, Canadian, Clayton, Crowder, Frink-Chambers in McAlester, Haileyville, Hartshorne, Indianola, Keota, Krebs, LeFlore, McAlester, McCurtain, Moyers, Panama, Panola, Pittsburg, Quinton, Rattan, Red Oak, Savanna, Spiro, Stringtown, Talihina, Tannehill, Whitesboro and Wilburton. Linda Morgan, GEAR UP project director, outlined the objectives of the grant which are: 1) Increase GEAR UP student performance/preparation for postsecondary education; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education for GEAR UP students; 3) Increase students and their families knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing. Morgan said the grant program will provide students and their families with a range of support services needed to prepare for college. Some of the services and activities include tutoring, mentoring, counseling, career advisement, college preparatory courses, summer camps, educational and cultural

field trips, and information about college and financial aid options. Teachers and school administrators can also participate in professional development opportunities and technology training. All activities and workshops will be provided to GEAR UP partner schools at no cost. Every sixth and seventh grade student at our partner schools is eligible to participate in GEAR UP for Success. The program is inclusive and completely free for parents and the schools, Morgan said. This grant is going to provide a lot of opportunities for students and teachers. We hope to foster longterm change by creating a positive and pervasive culture for learning in our under-resourced schools.

Photo: Area school representatives met at Eastern Oklahoma State College to learn how the colleges $12.6 million GEAR UP grant will help them prepare students for postsecondary education.