WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), released the following statement in celebration of National Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Week, held every September 21st through 25th:
“Programs like GEAR UP are critical in supporting underrepresented and low-income students who are working toward achieving a higher education,” dijo el Senador Rosen. “In these challenging times, education is the key to success and helping communities reach new heights. In Nevada, GEAR UP has helped tens of thousands of students unlock their potential through the support and services they provide, guided students through the college application process, and ultimately graduate college. I will continue working in Congress to see that programs like GEAR UP continue to receive funding to assist our students in their educational pursuits.”
BACKGROUND: Senator Rosen is an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan GEAR UP For Success Act (S.303), which would enhance the GEAR UP federal grant program by giving recipients increased flexibility to cater to the needs of local students, reducing administrative burdens for recipients, and developing a more competitive and fair application process.
Last year, Senator Rosen helped introduce the 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act (S.2670), legislation that would provide federal support for middle and high schools to partner with institutions of higher education, industry partners, and apprenticeship programs to create an education or career training program for students.
Nevada System of Higher Education institutions partner with middle and high schools in the state to support and prepare students through their first year of college. The Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach at UNLV coordinates the largest suite of federally funded TRIO, Title III AANAPISI, NSF LSAMP and GEAR UP programs in the nation. The programs help first generation and low-income middle and high school students, college students and adults with academic counseling and tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring and financial guidance to help them succeed and ultimately complete college.
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