Monroe County Schools Awarded GEAR UP TN Grant to Enhance College Readiness and Success

The Monroe County School district is excited to announce that it has been awarded a GEAR UP TN grant, as part of a larger $35 million initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).

This seven-year grant, which runs from September 2024 through September 2031, will focus on enhancing college readiness and success for students in Monroe County.

The GEAR UP TN program is designed to increase academic performance, high school graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and families’ knowledge about higher education options, preparation, and financing. In Monroe County, the program will directly benefit students in the Tellico Plains area (Coker Creek Elementary School, Rural Vale Elementary School, Tellico Plains Jr. High School, and Tellico Plains High School), with services beginning in the seventh grade and continuing through the first year of college.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this transformative initiative,” said Dr. Kristi Windsor, Director of Monroe County Schools. “Through GEAR UP TN, we are committed to preparing our students for success in college and beyond by providing them with the necessary academic support, career guidance, and college planning resources.”

The GEAR UP TN grant in Monroe County will support a range of services, including:

The program aims to create a strong college-going culture within Monroe County Schools, ensuring that students are academically prepared, aware of their postsecondary options, and equipped to navigate the college application process successfully. Additionally, professional development for school staff and the establishment of community partnerships will help sustain the program's impact for years to come.

Through GEAR UP TN, Monroe County Schools will play a vital role in helping students achieve their educational goals and building a brighter future for our community.