Kedc gear up elevate project

The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) received a $3.23 million Project Grant award 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 a completion date of September 30, 2026. The GEAR UP ELEVATE Project provides comprehensive college readiness services to low-income secondary students in Kentucky, including academic support, counseling, mentoring, financial aid information, and related supportive services designed to improve high school completion rates and prepare eligible students for postsecondary success. These services are targeted at reducing student dropout risk and the need for remedial education at the postsecondary level while providing students and families with information about postsecondary education advantages and college financing options.

KEDC, a tax-exempt nonprofit educational service cooperative headquartered in Ashland, Kentucky, serves as the prime recipient and will execute this program across multiple school districts throughout the Commonwealth. This award is consistent with the GEAR UP program's six- to seven-year grant structure and reflects KEDC's substantial experience managing complex, multi-year federal educational initiatives focused on student achievement and college readiness.