VISD students tour the VC campus as part of the GEAR UP program
Victoria College has been awarded a $1.2 million Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant from the United States Department of Education. VC was one of only 18 institutions selected nationally and one of six in Texas to receive the grant.
Through the GEAR UP grant, VC will support students from Victoria ISD’s Patti Welder Middle School, STEM Middle School, Victoria East High School and Victoria West High School.
“This grant will provide invaluable support to students and families as they navigate their educational journey and prepare for success in college and beyond,” said Dr. Jennifer Kent, President of Victoria College. “This is an incredible opportunity for Victoria College to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in our community.”
The cohort, which includes nearly 100 seventh grade students from Patti Welder and STEM Middle School, officially launched in May with an after-school camp and a tour of VC. The seven-year grant will support a comprehensive program to increase college and career readiness for Victoria ISD students.
“At Victoria ISD, we believe in preparing students not just for graduation, but for what comes next. This GEAR UP grant partnership with Victoria College will give our students early exposure, support and inspiration to see college as a real, achievable goal,” said Sheila Collazo, Superintendent of Schools for Victoria ISD. “We are proud to work alongside Victoria College to help students discover what’s possible and take confident steps toward their future.”
The GEAR UP grant aims to improve student academic performance, increase high school graduation and college enrollment rates, and enhance students’ and families’ understanding of higher education options.
“It is never too early to start planning for life after high school,” said Robin Harkey, VC’s GEAR UP Director. “We believe there is value in any level of college. Whether you’re pursuing a degree or a certificate, GEAR UP firmly plants and nurtures this concept. What is most thrilling is to witness students see their future self now, realize the many opportunities before them, and get them involved with extra academic support to take them to the next level in their college and career pursuits.”
VC will offer targeted support to students from seventh grade through high school and their first year of college. Resources include academic tutoring, test preparation, after-school camps, college tours and workshops for teachers and parents.
The GEAR UP program is funded by the US Department of Education and supports $1,214,252, or 70 percent of the project costs. The remaining 30 percent is funded through in-kind allocations from Victoria College through office space and staffing, and the Victoria Independent School District.
