USC awarded $35 million federal grant to boost state’s college and career readiness

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of South Carolina a $35 million grant to improve college and career readiness among disadvantaged students in South Carolina.

USC is one of 18 schools nationwide to receive funding this fiscal year from the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). It is the largest grant ever awarded to the College of Education ­­­and among the largest in university history.

“As USC advances its work to increase educational access for all South Carolinians, we are excited about this groundbreaking outreach to rural and under-resourced communities across our state,” President Michael Amiridis says. “Through GEAR UP SC, our College of Education will enable thousands more students to overcome barriers that hinder their pursuit of college and career opportunities.”

The College of Education will work with school districts around the state to provide services to more than 21,868 students in 36 middle schools and 27 high schools in every region of the state, moving the needle in college readiness and preparation across the state. The grant award is for seven years.

GEAR UP SC will support students from sixth grade through their college acceptance. The goals include:

• Improving participants’ academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education
• Increasing high school graduation rates and participation in postsecondary education
• Improving education expectations and knowledge of postsecondary options
• Preparing, financing and enhancing the abilities of teachers and staff to teach and
• Serving GEAR UP South Carolina students

South Carolina’s high rate of children in poverty combined with lower-than-average rates of academic achievement and high school graduation are among the barriers to postsecondary education.

GEAR UP funding will enable the College of Education to offer readiness-relevant courses and curricula and to employ assessment measures throughout high school to keep students informed of their progress and help them overcome academic gaps as they are identified. Adult and peer mentors will engage and help students complete critical steps for college entry. GEAR UP SC also will increase families’ financial awareness and help students apply for financial aid.

Participating school districts are chosen based on their percentages of students with free or reduced lunch as well as their geographic location. The grant complements the college’s existing work in communities through its Institute for Rural Education and Development and CarolinaCrED program, which is expanding the teaching workforce through micro-credentials.