K20 gear up the metro (maximizing education through real-world opportunities)

The University of Oklahoma received a $5.7 million Project Grant from 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) on October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2026. This partnership grant funds college and career readiness services designed to support low-income secondary students in Oklahoma City Public Schools, targeting 6th and 7th grade cohorts beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The initiative aims to increase high school graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and credential attainment through comprehensive academic support, mentoring, and financial aid guidance.

Under this award, the Oklahoma City Board of Education (Oklahoma County School District I-89) serves as the primary sub-grantee, responsible for implementing college and career coaching programs across middle schools in the district. The Board of Education will hire a District Coordinator to oversee the College & Career Coaching program and multiple site-based College and Career Coaches positioned at participating middle schools to provide direct student support services. The sub-grantee commits to providing adequate facilities and ensuring full staff commitment to delivering these college and career readiness services, with monthly invoicing to the University of Oklahoma for labor and related program costs.