Congressman Fattah to Address 1,100 GEAR UP Practitioners Monday in Florida

Fattah is architect of GEAR UP, the nation's most successful college readiness program that has served more than 12 million students since being signed into law in 1998

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) will deliver the welcoming address to more 1,100 education practitioners from around the country at the 2014 NCCEP/GEAR UP Capacity-Building Workshop this Monday, February 3. Fattah, architect of GEAR UP—Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs—will offer insight from his work as a Senior Member on the House Appropriations Committee and update the gathered university faculty and staff, teachers, parents, administrators, and business and philanthropic leaders on the current education funding climate, as well as the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill.

Recently signed into law, the spending bill provides $301.64 million for GEAR UP—more than $15 million above FY 2013 post-sequester levels—a significant victory for the program. Additionally, according to the President's FY14 budget request, the U.S. Department of Education is intending to host a GEAR UP competition in FY14 that would include $57 million for new grants, with approximately 6 state grants, and 23 partnership grants expected. 

GEAR UP, the nation's most successful college readiness program, was written by Congressman Fattah and signed into law by President Clinton in 1998. A federally funded, research-based initiative aimed at creating a college-going culture in collaboration with schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations, GEAR UP serves cohorts of low-income students, beginning no later than 7^th grade. Through a comprehensive and holistic approach, GEAR UP students are encouraged to take rigorous classes, enter college, and gain a postsecondary degree without remediation. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that GEAR UP programs currently provide proven benefits to more than 500,000 low-income children in 46 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. Since it's inception, GEAR UP has helped more than 12 million students nationwide.

Next week's workshop, coordinated by the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education, provides professional development and guidance on topics impacting GEAR UP programs and college access.

To learn more about NCCEP and GEAR UP click here.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah