Gear up-first ring collaborative (GU-FRC) (FY25-31 gear up partnership project)

This federal Project Grant award of $3,680,000.00 was provided by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) (CFDA 84.334). The funding supports the "GEAR UP-FIRST RING COLLABORATIVE (GU-FRC)" initiative, a 6-7 year partnership project that aims to improve college access and readiness for low-income students. Key services to be delivered include academic support, financial aid guidance, mentoring, tutoring, and scholarship assistance to help increase high school graduation rates and enhance postsecondary enrollment and success for the targeted student population. The award was granted to the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County, a local government entity in Independence, Ohio, which will serve as the lead organization and coordinate the collaborative effort with local educational agencies and higher education institutions.