October 11, 2005 (Vol. 2, No. 3)

Bronx Institute Awarded $16.3 Million Grant

More than 3,400 public school students in the Bronx will benefit from a six-year, $16.3 million GEAR UP grant awarded to the Bronx Institute at Lehman College. The Institute will work with a network of up to 18 schools in the New York City Department of Education's Region One to ensure that within six years these students will graduate from high school and enter college. The Region includes Bedford Park, Claremont, Highbridge, Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge Heights, Morris Heights, Morrisania, Mount Eden, Norwood, Riverdale and Van Cortlandt.

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, the grant comes with an annual budget of $2,719,200 over the funding period (2005-2011). Joining the Institute in the effort are ten collaborating organizations and institutions that will match the grant award, bringing the project's total budget to $32.6 million.

"What is exciting about this grant," says Bronx Institute Deputy Director Naomi Barber, "is that we will have the opportunity to work with students beginning in seventh grade and continuing through to their senior year in high school. They will receive the skills and sense of purpose they need to succeed in high school and to be accepted into a wide array of colleges and universities."

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded program designed to assist students from low-income families. Its goal is to increase student achievement and preparation for college, as well as to familiarize students and their families with postsecondary educational possibilities.

High-performing students in the program will have opportunities to travel abroad as well as to attend summer residential programs at prestigious colleges and universities. The Institute will also work with teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills, especially in the areas of science and math.

For more information, e-mail Bruce Irushalmi at bruce.irushalmi@lehman.cuny.edu or Naomi Barber at naomi.barber@lehman.cuny.edu.

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