GEAR UP TN Awards $49,500 to Union County School System to Improve Equipment in Schools

Maynardville, Tenn. – January 16, 2007 – GEAR UP TN and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission announced today that the Union County School System will receive an additional $49,500 in mini-grants to purchase computers and science equipment to further improve student performance at Union County High School and Horace Maynard Middle School.

 “Today’s highly competitive economy requires an in-depth understanding of science, technology and mathematics. This equipment will help better prepare Union County students for higher education and the future job market,” said Richard Rhoda, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. “Sustainability is very important to GEAR UP TN, and we feel the purchase of these items helps ensure future students will benefit    from this grant.”

Participating schools applied for the competitive mini-grants in the fall of 2006. The mini-grants help supplement efforts to achieve GEAR UP TN’s goals of increasing educational expectations, enhancing academic preparation, providing effective professional development, and encouraging family and community involvement.

GEAR UP TN is six-year federal grant program designed to

significantly increase the number of socio-economically disadvantaged

and underserved students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was awarded the $3.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education in September 2005. Union County has participated in GEAR UP TN since July 2006 and receives $120,000 in direct programmatic funds each year of the grant to provide services to 8^th, 11^th and 12^th grade students. 

For more information please contact Wendy Tabor, public relations specialist, GEAR UP TN at 615-532-0419 or wendy.tabor@state.tn.us.