October 2011 

CTL is a partner in two major multi-year projects aimed at promoting and supporting success in post-secondary education for disadvantaged students in eastern Kentucky.  Led by Berea College, the two grants are expected to provide nearly $10.7 million annually for seven years, and were recently announced by the United States Department of Education as part of its Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) program.  They are among only 47 such GEAR UP partnership grants awarded nationwide and the only two in Kentucky.  

The goal of the work is to prepare at-risk students for post-secondary education by increasing academic performance and promoting a college-going culture in schools and communities.  Key components of the grants include implementation of college- and career-readiness standards, increased student participation in academically rigorous courses, financial aid and the development of financial literacy, and mentoring and support through the college admissions process. Together, GEAR UP Appalachia! and Promise Neighborhood GEAR UP will serve students in 17 central and southeastern Kentucky counties, many of which are among the poorest in the nation.

CTL's work in the first year will include assessment of instructional rigor in participating schools to inform school wide planning.  In subsequent years, CTL will measure and analyze students' knowledge of college preparation, and will provide opportunities for leadership development and professional development in reading, English/language arts and mathematics in participating schools.  Other partners in the grants include Eastern Kentucky University, Hazard Community and Technical College, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation.

CTL has extensive experience helping schools to boost college and career readiness, having worked with several hundred GEAR UP sites throughout Kentucky during two previous grant cycles.  CTL's work included providing professional development, and analyzing school culture and classroom practice data related to the ACT College Readiness Standards to promote college going.  CTL has also worked with the Washington-based National Council on Community Education Partnerships (NCCEP) on developing a college-going culture in schools and the community for underserved populations, and offering professional development and tools to GEAR UP projects across the country.

Read an overview of CTL's prior work with GEAR UP > 

Read about CTL's GEAR UP Kentucky Math Mentoring and Coaching Project >

Read about the fourth annual GEAR UP Alliance Institute for a College-Going Culture, coordinated by CTL >

For more information on CTL's work with GEAR UP Berea and in college readiness contact:
Denise Finley, GEAR UP Berea Project Manager
502.895.9500 x337