Fattah Announces $4.3 Million in New FY14 Funding for Philadelphia GEAR UP

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02), a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, and architect of GEAR UP, announced today that the Department of Education has awarded $4.3 million in FY 2014 funding to the School District of Philadelphia for its GEAR UP program. Nationwide, more than 41 grants totaling $82 million were awarded to partnership programs and states, including $3.4 million to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Fattah made the local announcement today at the School District of Philadelphia, during the city's kick-off event for National GEAR UP Week.

"This is exciting news for Philadelphia, the School District, and the entire community. This new funding will allow GEAR UP to continue serving thousands of Philadelphia's low-income students each year, preparing them for college, and ensuring they are successful in post-secondary education and beyond," Congressman Fattah said. "We know that GEAR UP works, and I am thrilled to see our local program continue to inspire our students to reach higher, graduate from high school, and earn a college degree. This program is more than just an investment in our students, it's an investment in the entire community; when our young people succeed in the classroom, the entire community succeeds."

"GEAR UP has been a tremendous resource for the students of Philadelphia. In a city where students struggle everyday to make life choices that significantly impact their future, having a program like GEAR UP helps to keep them grounded and focused on the prize – college," said Ali Robinson-Rogers, Director of GEAR UP Philadelphia.

Quimeira Ortega, an eleventh grade student at Philadelphia's Edison High added, "GEAR UP prepares you for real life.  They prepare you for college and are a major resource for post-secondary education."

Congressman Fattah created GEAR UP more than 16 years ago, and the legislation was signed into law by President Clinton in 1998. Since first serving students in 1999, it has grown to become the nation's most successful college readiness program.

Both the Philadelphia School District and state award are part of the six or seven-year matching grant programs that target entire grades of students (beginning no later than seventh grade), partner with local organizations and businesses, and include matching local contributions and in-kind services. The Department of Education estimates that the 41 national grants announced today will help 116,000 at-risk students prepare for college and receive the support they need to achieve success in postsecondary education.

"These scarce resources have the power to transform the pathway to higher education for low-income students," said Nathan Monell, President and CEO of NCCEP. "As Congressman Fattah conceived many years ago, bringing together K-12, colleges and universities, and community leaders leads to powerful solutions for the most pressing college access and readiness challenges."

In a press release, Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, "GEAR UP partnerships and state grants are inspiring examples of communities taking a stand for excellence and equity in education, investing in student success, and creating a culture that helps all young people achieve. I commend all the recipients for their relentless efforts to help students realize their potential through college readiness, access and completion."

For additional details on GEAR UP state and partnership grants from the Department of Education visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/gearup/index.html.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah