It actually helped me [determine] what type of person I am, and how I can go forward with my personality.”
That’s what a North High School student had to say about GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The district-run program operates off federal funding streams, with APS receiving monthly reimbursements.
GEAR UP helps students from low-income schools and socioeconomic backgrounds develop a “college-going culture.” Over the past four years, the program has mentored and assisted about 1,500 students in Akron Public Schools.
Another North High School student shared similar praise about the program:
“I got to see a lot of different colleges, and that opened up a lot of different windows to me.”
Now, months after the school district scrapped its diversity, equity and inclusion department — including a purging of any language that it thought might draw the ire of the Trump administration, education leaders are facing millions in funding losses due to DEI language in years-old grant applications. GEAR UP is one of the programs the Trump administration has proposed cutting.
“Five years ago we were awarded the grant based on what you asked, and now it’s being pulled based on what was in the grant that was written five years ago,”Yvonne Culver, the director of school counseling and student wellness, said of GEAR UP, which was founded in 1998.
The district received notice on Sept. 12 from the U.S. Department of Education that its grant would not continue beyond the fourth year — it was originally a seven-year grant. APS is appealing that decision, but if that appeal is unsuccessful, they could lose $1.2 million this year and $3.6 million over the life of the grant.
Five full-time and two part-time employees would likely be cut within APS if the funding stream dries up. Additionally, positions with the district’s local GEAR UP partner — Project GRAD Akron — could be lost.
“More than 1,500 sophomores and juniors would lose mentoring, advising and college and career-readiness support that our trusted partners provide,” Superintendent Mary Outley said during Monday’s board of education meeting.
Federal cuts threaten district, nonpublic schools across Akron
The GEAR UP news came as the district presented its five-year financial forecast, which lays out a bleak future. Decisions by the federal government threaten several public education initiatives that APS relies on to train staffers, educate students who are non-native English speakers and prepare them for post-graduate success.
In a press release, the school district laid out the federal funding streams that could be significantly reduced or cut completely. Many of the programs serve some of Akron’s most vulnerable students.
In addition to the GEAR UP grant, the school district is facing $7.6 million in other potentially lost federal funding.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Title I: $4.3 million loss, which funds programs to address achievement gaps.
- Title II-A: $1.8 million loss, which provides money for staff training and professional development.
- Title III-A: $325,000 loss, which helps fund English as a Second Language education and programs for displaced students.
- Title IV-A: $1.2 million loss, which supports student wellbeing and academic enrichment.
“Cuts at this level would take resources away from children in every type of school in our city,” Outley said.
That means nonpublic schools, which the district funnels state and federal funds to, could experience financial hardships as well.
District asks staff, families to contact elected officials
Outside of an appeal, the school district doesn’t have much recourse to recapture federal funds. Which is why Outley and others launched a campaign to lobby elected officials at the state and federal levels.
“We are asking our community, our staff and families to contact their representatives, senators, to oppose the cuts, and to ask for continuation for our federal dollars, including our currently at-risk GEAR UP grant,” Outley said Monday night.
Culver said she’s hopeful the appeal will be successful, given the outpouring of community support she’s received since the announcement. She said state Sen. Casey Weinstein reached out to her office offering assistance after he heard from his constituents.
“These are people with hopes, dreams and a mission,” Culver said, “and I’m hopeful we can continue the work.”