BOISE— GEAR UP Idaho announced today they have secured more than three million dollars in partnership pledges. "We are very grateful for the support we’ve received," said Program Manager Decker Sanders. "We still have a ways to go, but we are on our way."
Several philanthropic and educational foundations were recognized during a meeting at the offices of the Idaho State Board of Education.
"We believe there are two reasons for students not to attend college right out of high school," said Claudeen Buettner, Executive Vice-President of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). "First, they are not prepared, and secondly, they feel they cannot afford college tuition. GEAR UP is an answer to each of those questions."
The College of Southern Idaho pledged $750,000 in scholarship monies and the CSI Foundation contributed an additional $300,000.
Micron Technology Foundation Director Dee Mooney added, "GEAR UP gets individuals ready for postsecondary careers, it gets them excited about math and science. It’s a fantastic compliment to our mission." The Micron Technology Foundation has pledged $400,000 over the next two years of the program.
The Northwest Area Foundation Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation has committed $400,000 to Gear Up. They have distributed more than $3 million dollars since 2000 aimed at reducing poverty in eight western states. Idaho Community Foundation Executive Director Cathy Silak echoed Mooney’s thoughts, "GEAR UP is a program that will absolutely lead to better opportunities for many of Idaho’s children and their families."
Other partners recognized include:
GEAR UP Idaho is a partnership program funded by a federal grant and matching local monies designed to work with students and their families beginning in the 7th grade. The program focuses on committing the student and family to a more rigorous course of study, helping with tutoring, financial aid, mentoring and scholarships upon graduation. Some twenty-two middle schools across Idaho are currently participating in GEAR UP.
To learn more about GEAR UP Idaho, please visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov, click on K-12, then on GEAR UP.
# # # #