Incentive Grants
Community and Faith-Based Outreach
Community and Faith-Based Outreach
GEAR UP awards grants to support college preparation initiatives of youth and family outreach services and community and faith-based organizations (CBOs). GEAR UP awards subgrants to CBOs to promote the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program and to engage parents and family members in their children’s college preparation process by raising educational expectations. The 2009-2010 subgrant application deadline is Aug, 21, 2009. Click Apply Now to get application materials.
2008-2009 CBO Incentive Grant Recipients
Fellowship of Women in Christ, Ada, will partner with Ada Junior High School and East Central University and for “BEST Educational Program – Bridge to Excellence for Students in Transition.” BEST will provide college preparation resources and Oklahoma’s Promise information during planning workshops, one-on-one meetings with families and visits to college campuses. In addition, the program will offer on-site services to students at Ada Junior High as well as provide information services to other junior high and middle schools in Pontotoc County, including Allen, Byng, Latta, Roff, Vanoss and Stonewall school districts.
Believers in Boswell Community Coalition will partner with Boswell, Bennington and Soper high schools, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the Choctaw Nation Healthy Lifestyle/Youth Advisory Board for “Believers in Boswell Believe” to strengthen the Boswell Plan4College Center and promote Oklahoma’s higher education opportunities. Believers in Boswell Believe will implement a Plan4College incentive outreach to assist students and parents in Boswell and the two neighboring school districts with Oklahoma’s Promise and college entrance applications. In addition, the subgrant will fund special promotions and activities to highlight the services available at the Boswell Plan4College Center.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Theta Upsilon Omega Chapter, Lawton, will partner with Lawton’s Central and Tomlinson middle schools and Cameron University Open Doors to increase the number of students enrolling in Oklahoma’s Promise and strengthen the academic performance of eighth-grade students.
Norman Economic Development Coalition will partner with Irving Middle School in Norman and the University of Oklahoma for “GEAR UP Irving 2013.” GEAR UP Irving 2013 will host parent nights, one-on-one parent meetings, a free tax-preparation service, classroom presentations and student incentive events to recruit and enroll students in Oklahoma’s Promise. In addition, subgrant funds will create a college-going culture and environment for eighth graders and provide them with job-shadowing opportunities, career-exploration activities, college campus tours and career fairs. The Norman Economic Development Coalition is a joint effort of the University of Oklahoma, the city of Norman and the Norman business community through the Norman Chamber of Commerce.
Building a Nation Through Village Concepts, Oklahoma City, will partner with John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City and Langston University – Oklahoma City for “Project DREAM.” Project DREAM will host parent/student meetings to recruit and enroll students in Oklahoma’s Promise, provide campus tours to two- and four-year colleges and universities in the Oklahoma City area and offer free ACT exams to students who participate in ACT prep training at least twice during the academic year. In addition, the subgrant will provide a free tax-preparation service to enrolled and eligible Oklahoma Promise parents to ensure students complete their FASFA information as well as seek other scholarship and grant opportunities.
The Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will partner with Oklahoma City Public Schools, Oklahoma City Community College and Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City. The program will utilize college interns to distribute and promote information on preparing for college and Oklahoma’s Promise to students and families from three high schools – Capitol Hill, Southeast and U.S. Grant. The Viva Oklahoma’s Promise outreach coordinators will make presentations to students during assemblies, make personal contact with individual students and set up appointments to discuss college options to both parents and students. In addition to participating in college nights, the program staff will set up booths with college prep and Oklahoma’s Promise information at south Oklahoma City retail stores one Saturday per month.
Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, will partner with Oklahoma Centennial High School in Oklahoma City and the University of Central Oklahoma for “Jeremiah Generation Project.” The project will provide ACT prep workshops, Oklahoma’s Promise and financial aid assistance sessions and “Building My Future” assemblies to help students learn about opportunities for their future. In addition, the subgrant will fund college campus tours to inspire students to get a college degree and parent partnership days to educate parents about the benefits of higher education.
St. John Christian Care Center, Oklahoma City, will partner with Frederick Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, Rose State College and the University of Central Oklahoma for “eXcell.” The eXcell project will increase recruitment, enrollment and retention in Oklahoma’s Promise, specifically among 10th-grade students, through school and home visits, calls to parents and outreach events designed to generate parental support. In addition, the subgrant will provide ACT test prep workshops, mentoring sessions, college and career fairs, and financial aid workshops.
Community Action Project of Tulsa County (CAP) will partner with Oklahoma State University – Tulsa and Tulsa Community College to distribute information on preparing for college and Oklahoma’s Promise to students and families from four high schools – Central, Nathan Hale, Will Rogers and Daniel Webster. An outreach coordinator will make presentations during classes, participate in career fairs and conduct one-on-one meetings and phone assistance to help answer parents’ questions and aid with the completion of applications. In addition, CAP will distribute information to all Tulsa Public Schools in order to promote free tax-preparation assistance in conjunction with Oklahoma’s Promise.
Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa will partner with East Central High School in Tulsa and Tulsa Community College to target high school students and families for Oklahoma’s Promise enrollment through outreach activities in both English and Spanish, including home-based visits, open houses, financial aid awareness sessions, back-to-school nights, parent/teacher meetings and on-site resource fairs. In addition, the program will distribute two mass mailings to all parents of freshmen and sophomore students in both English and Spanish and coordinate college campus visits during the school year.
Vertical Life Initiatives, Tulsa, will partner with Tulsa’s McClain High School of Science and Technology and Gilcrease Middle School and Tulsa Community College for “Competitive Promise” to increase the enrollment in Oklahoma’s Promise through evening student/parent informational sessions at the schools, monthly follow-up visits by Citizen’s Student Union Ambassadors, study clinics for students and celebratory events to reward students for thinking about their futures. In addition, Competitive Promise will utilize promotional and marketing materials about Oklahoma’s Promise, such as t-shirts, fliers and posters, for distribution in school and at events.
View 2007-2008 CBO Incentive Grant Recipients.
View 2006-2007 CBO Incentive Grant Recipients.
View 2005-2006 CBO Incentive Grant Recipients.
College Access Subgrants for K-12
College Access Subgrants for GEAR UP Phase II Schools
GEAR UP awards subgrants to school districts to implement early intervention strategies that address specific local needs. GEAR UP trainer/coordinators work closely with each school district to ensure that the early intervention strategies are effective and research-based. School districts that did not receive subgrant funding in Phase I of GEAR UP are eligible in Phase II to apply for expanded one-year subgrants to be awarded annually through 2010.
New for 2009! College Access Subgrants for
GEAR UP Phase I Schools
GEAR UP will award subgrants to school districts who have previously participated as a recipient of a subgrant in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education GEAR UP program during the period Sept.1, 1999 – Aug. 31, 2005. The subgrants are limited to $12,500 from May 2009 through June 2010 and are intended to boost college access efforts locally by funding the recipient's participation in the LOGIC Professional Development Program.
Learn more about the LOGIC Professional Development Program.
Oklahoma GEAR UP
College Access Subgrant Program
2009 Grant Recipients and Project Highlights
All grant recipients will receive $12,500 to boost local college access efforts by participating in the LOGIC Professional Development Program. The program provides 12 days of intensive professional development that focuses on educational leadership, guidance and curriculum. The training is intended for school leadership teams committed to creating a culture of high expectations.
Seven subgrant recipients will receive an additional $12,500. This money may be used to adopt one of the following research-based, student-intervention programs:
- Dr. Ruby Payne’s “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” – This program is designed to train school faculty in strategies for supporting children and parents who live in poverty. The strategies are utilized in classroom settings and are meant to enhance student academic achievement.
- Thinking Maps® – This program is designed to train school faculty in the implementation of “visual thinking tools” in the classroom. The eight Thinking Maps can be used across subject areas and grades. They serve as strategies students can use to process, recall and utilize information in a demanding curriculum.
In addition, some subgrantees may initiate or enhance other professional development/educational programs with GEAR UP subgrant funds but must provide evidence that the program is scientifically research-based as required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Agra Public Schools will partner with Southeastern Oklahoma State University for “Committing to College Readiness and High Expectations.” They will use the $12,500 grant to implement the LOGIC program to increase the number of high school graduates enrolled in postsecondary programs and improve their college completion rate. In addition, grant monies will fund open houses to educate students and parents about the importance of postsecondary education and to promote Oklahoma’s Promise. Also, grant funds will be used for college campus tours, career awareness activities, ACT prep workshops and strategy development for an early childhood program.
Amber-Pocasset Public Schools will partner with Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the Pocasset Lions Club for “Amber-Pocasset College Bound.” They will receive $25,000 to implement the LOGIC program to focus on classroom strategies that will improve student achievement. In addition, grant monies will fund parent-student education meetings about Oklahoma’s Promise and other financial aid opportunities. Also, funding will be used to purchase planners for all seventh- through 12th-grade students, college campus tours and ACT prep workshops.
Broken Bow Public Schools will partner with Southeastern Oklahoma State University. They will use the $12,500 grant to implement the LOGIC program and continuing offering the Ruby Payne program. In addition, the grant will fund parent-education meetings about Oklahoma’s Promise, concurrent enrollment, scholarships, financial aid and student assessments. Each year, various speakers from the community will be invited to speak to middle school and high school students about college life, areas of study and career opportunities. Career development days will be scheduled monthly for fourth- and fifth-grade students with job-related activities implemented in classroom instruction. Also, funding will be used for tours of community facilities and college campuses.
Crooked Oak Public Schools will partner with Rose State College for “LOGIC College Prep.” They will receive $12,500 to implement the LOGIC program to decrease the number of students in remediation over the next five years. In addition, grant funds will be used for career awareness opportunities and ACT test prep materials.
Dickson Public Schools will receive $25,000 to partner with Oklahoma State University and the Dickson Police Department for “Quest for Success.” They will implement the Ruby Payne and LOGIC programs. In addition, grant funds will be used to host three parents’ nights throughout the 2009-2010 school year to educate parents about Oklahoma’s Promise, OKcollegestart.org, standardized testing and financial aid. Also, the grant will help fund career awareness opportunities for all grade levels and a tour of the OSU campus in Stillwater for eighth graders.
Duke Public Schools will receive $25,000 to partner with Western Oklahoma State College and the Duke School Foundation to implement the LOGIC and Thinking Maps programs. In addition, grant monies will be used to help inform students and parents about Oklahoma’s Promise, course information and scholarship opportunities. WOSC staff will be present at parent-teacher conferences and at least one basketball game to assist students in completing college and financial aid applications. Also, grant funds will be used to offset costs of Smart Board training, Thinking Maps materials, student planners, graphing calculators, college campus tours and career fairs.
Durant Public Schools will receive $37,500 to partner with Southeastern Oklahoma State University and First United Bank for two subgrant projects: “Durant High School GEAR UP” and “Mentoring for the Future.” Durant High School will implement the LOGIC program. Durant Middle School will implement the LOGIC and Thinking Maps programs. In addition, both sites will use grant funds for career days with First United Bank employees and information nights for parents to learn about Oklahoma’s Promise, concurrent enrollment, scholarships and financial aid. Also, the grants will fund tours of college campuses and community facilities as well as provide information to students and parents through the school television channel and Web site about student assessments and ACT prep.
Fletcher Public Schools will receive $25,000 to partner with Cameron University and Great Plains Technology Center for “Wildcat Ticket of Success.” They will implement the LOGIC and Ruby Payne programs. In addition, grant funds will host college preparation seminars for parents and students to learn more about Oklahoma’s Promise, financial aid, Oklahoma Career Information System, graduation requirements and student assessments. Cameron University staff will be present at each event to discuss concurrent classes offered to Fletcher students. Also, grant funds will be used for a career night for students and their parents to learn more about how students can align college courses with their career goals.
Mason Public Schools will receive $12,500 to partner with Seminole State College for “Team Commitment for a Better Tomorrow.” In addition to implementing the LOGIC program, grant monies will be used for residual testing for students who want to take concurrent enrollment classes at SSC and for the distribution of information about Oklahoma’s Promise and the Oklahoma Career Information System. Students will be encouraged to develop portfolios with classroom and college preparation goals and take career exploration tests. Grant funds will also provide ACT workshops, college and job-shadowing days and summer camp for middle school students.
Mountain View-Gotebo Public Schools will receive $12,500 to partner with Western Oklahoma State College and Mountain View Methodist Church for “LOGIC – Professional Development Program, Year 1.” In addition to implementing the LOGIC program, grant funds will be used to promote interaction between parents and teachers to encourage students to meet high expectations. Parent meetings will be held twice a year to inform parents about post-high school preparation. Also, grant funds will provide students the opportunity to visit WOSC and meet with college professors who will address their concerns about preparing for college. The church will provide refreshments and materials for parent meetings and a school supply closet to assist students with school necesssities.
Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City will receive $25,000 to partner with Southern Nazarene University and the Putnam City Parent Teacher Association for “College Readiness.” In addition to implementing the LOGIC program, grant funds will be used for the CollegeEd curriculum, which is comprised of student workbooks, a teacher’s guide and family handbooks. The grant will also fund orientation meetings for parents and students to learn about Oklahoma’s Promise, college enrollment requirements, scholarships and financial aid. Through the PTA, guest speakers will attend student advisory periods and present information about college life, degree options and career choices. Grant funds will also help with college campus tours.
Silo High School will partner with Southeastern Oklahoma State University to implement the LOGIC program. The $12,500 grant will also be used to host multigrade-level clinics to provide students and parents with information regarding Oklahoma’s Promise, assessments, concurrent enrollment and college admission. Representatives from SOSU will offer assistance in completing financial aid forms. Also, funds will be used to offset expenses of concurrent classes and to host seminars for Silo High School graduates to speak to students about college life and degree options.
Snyder Public Schools will receive $25,000 to partner with Cameron University, Western Oklahoma State College and the Bank of the Wichitas for “Snyder GEAR UP Project.” In addition to implementing the LOGIC program, grant funds will be used for multigrade-level parents’ nights to educate parents about Oklahoma’s Promise, the EXPLORE and PLAN assessments, concurrent enrollment, college requirements, financial aid and scholarships. Also, funds will establish before- and after-school tutoring programs, ACT prep workshops, college campus tours and college fairs.
Thackerville Public Schools will receive $12,500 to partner with Southeastern Oklahoma State University for “College Bound.” They will implement the LOGIC program and continue offering the Ruby Payne program. In addition, grant monies will fund open houses to inform parents about assessments and to promote Oklahoma’s Promise. Also, the grant will fund college prep workshops to increase student and parent awareness of financial aid, scholarships and concurrent enrollment. Representatives from SOSU will be present to distribute program and enrollment information. Grant funds will host bimonthly career days for fourth- through sixth-grade students with job-related activities implemented within the classroom. Middle school and high school students will have opportunities to tour community facilities and college campuses.
Turner Public Schools will receive $12,500 to partner with Murray State College and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation for “Horizons for the Future.” In addition to implementing the LOGIC program, grant monies will fund meetings for eighth- through 12th-grade students and parents to learn about the benefits of Oklahoma’s Promise, college readiness, concurrent enrollment, scholarships and financial aid. Also, funding will be used for tours of community facilities and college campuses, ACT prep workshops, summer institutes and career fairs.
View 2008 College Access Subgrant Recipients.
View 2007 College Access Subgrant Recipients.
View 2006 College Access Subgrant Recipients.