The GEAR UP Grantee-level Performance 2004-05 and 2005-06 report follows the progress of students awarded the grant during three different cohort years: 2001 at eight institutions, 2002 at 51 institutions, and 2005 at 245 institutions (Ed.gov (2), 2011). The evaluation occurred during the academic school years of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 (Ed.org (2), 2011). The U.S. Education Department used three performance outcomes to measure success: academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education; rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education; and students’/families’ knowledge, preparation, and financing options for pursuing postsecondary education (Ed.org (2), 2011). Data was collected in the form of student/family surveys, student performance records, and grantee service characteristics (Ed.org (2), 2011).
The study found the amount of students who spoke to school officials about higher education requirements exceeded the grant’s target goal (61% for 2004 and 64% for 2005) with 65% in 2004 and 66% in 2005 (Ed.org (2), 2011). Students seeking information about financial aid availability increased from 54% in 2004 to 55% in 2005, which surpassed the target goal of 35% for 2004 and 37% for 2005 (Ed.org (2), 2011). More than half the percentage of students reported that higher education was affordable and almost two-thirds of students expected to earn a four-year degree (Ed.org (2), 2011).
Unfortunately, the survey results about family participation with school officials declined. The percentage of families who spoke to school officials about college entrance requirements decreased from 50% in 2004, with a target goal of 46%, to 32% in 2005 with a target goal of 47%, (Ed.org (2), 2011). The families who spoke about financial aid possibilities decreased from 42% in 2004 to 32% in 2005 (Ed.org (2), 2011). The proportion of families’ perceptions of higher education affordability declined slightly from 64% in 2004 to 63% in 2005 (Ed.org (2), 2011).
The survey indicated that student achievement rose while participating in the grant program. Students performing at or above grade level in English increased from 36% in 2004 to 49% in 2005 (Ed.org (2), 2011). Math competency improved from 32% in 2004 to 44% in 2005 (Ed.org (2), 2011). In 2004, the graduation rate was 80% while 37% of those students were enrolled in postsecondary institutions (Ed.org (2), 2011).
The GEAR UP program values student success. Although GEAR UP might not accomplish all its “target” goals, any amount of improvement is viewed as positive. Future funding of the GEAR UP grant could depend more on results as federal funding is limited due to lack of funds.
Ed.gov. (2011). GEAR UP. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/programs/gearup/index.html
Ed.gov (2). (2011). Grantee-level Performance: 2004-05 and 2005-06. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/programs/gearup/performance.html
