U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) has proposed a bipartisan bill to reauthorize and reform a federal grant program that provides counseling, tutoring, mentoring and scholarship opportunities to America’s neediest students.
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) for Success Act of 2018, H.R. 5481, which Rep. Hurd introduced on April 12 with U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), would revamp GEAR UP, a nationwide competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education that helps low-income students prepare for postsecondary education.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) on April 12 introduced the companion bill, S. 2664, in the U.S. Senate along with U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) among the original cosponsors.
“GEAR UP serves thousands of local students in my district and gives them the tools they need to become valuable contributors to our workforce,” said Rep. Hurd, who represents 45 middle and high schools served by the GEAR UP grant program. “I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that every student has an equal chance for success.”
“This legislation reduces costs to free up time and money for grantees to focus on students and gives local leaders more freedom to decide how best to tailor the program for their specific needs,” added Sen. Cornyn.
If enacted, H.R. 5481 would increase funding eligibility for scholarships, codify grant competitions and reduce burdens placed on students who receive aid through the program, according to a summary provided by Rep. Hurd’s staff.
“Ensuring access to educational opportunities for all Texans — regardless of their background — strengthens our economy, drives technological advancement across every industry and allows folks to overcome socio-economic challenges that are influenced by education inequality,” Rep. Hurd said.
William Kibler, president of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, said GEAR UP has enabled the public university to serve students in the border region where it’s located between the cities of El Paso and San Antonio since 2005.
“GEAR UP programs at Sul Ross have supported thousands of students from seventh grade through their first year of college, with programs ranging from academic tutoring to financial assistance literacy to tours and on-campus experiences,” Kibler said. “We look forward to enhancing post-secondary opportunities through GEAR UP for the future.”
Likewise, Pedro Martinez, superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), said GEAR UP has helped put local students “on a strong pathway” to college for 13 years.
“We are delighted to see Rep. Hurd introducing this important piece of legislation that will benefit students here” in the 23rd District of Texas and across the country, Martinez added.
SAISD partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters and communities and schools, among others, to provide GEAR UP services to students, while Sul Ross State University partners with several other Texas school districts to offer services, according to Hurd’s staff.
Rep. Davis said she was proud to join Rep. Hurd in leading what she called a “critical education bill.”
“The Gear Up program has a proven track record of success, helping students get to and through higher education,” said Davis. “Investing in our students is a direct investment in our future.”
H.R. 5481 has been referred to the House Education and the Workforce Committee. S. 2664 has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.