WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $2.8 million grant to the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. The grant is funded by the Gear-Up State Award Program.
Iowa College Student Aid Commission will use the funds to create a “college-going culture” in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees through statewide and school-based services to over 5,000 low-income and minority students.
The project will focus on providing early college awareness activities, improving academic support, providing information on paying for college and scholarships.
“These funds will help inform low-income students about the benefits of a college education,” Grassley said.
The goal of the GEAR-UP Program is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.