College Crusade grant aids student transition

PROVIDENCE – A $3 million federal grant to the College Crusade of Rhode Island will help economically disadvantaged, public-school students across the state succeed and prepare for college.
Under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP), the College Crusade will deploy a team of 24 full-time advisers in 32 middle and high schools to provide personalized educational support for students and to motivate them to take rigorous courses, graduate from high school on time and make a successful transition to college or career.
The GEAR UP program also provides college scholarships for qualified participants who enroll and includes systemic initiatives that complement the state’s Race to the Top management plan.
U.S. Sens Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced the new grant Sept. 30 at an event held at Mount Pleasant High School. &#8226