
Manassas Park City School was selected as a recipient of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. The grant program aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The purpose of the grant is to begin to serve students no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school. According to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia the objectives are to: 1) Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education for GEAR UP students; and 3) Increase GEAR UP students' and their families' knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing. The GEAR UP grant will allow for activities such as: student and family workshops on college preparation and financial aid, mentoring, professional development for teachers on social/emotional learning, increased STEM opportunities, college visits, guest speakers, scholarships and family engagement activities. The grant program runs from 2021-2028.