Senator Cornyn pictured with Lufkin ISD Admin and Board Members
U.S. Senator John Cornyn visited Lufkin High School on May 28 to hear how GEAR UP has improved graduation rates and college enrollment by raising awareness with students and families of post-secondary options. GEAR UP is a U.S. Department of Education federally funded grant that fosters awareness and access to post-secondary opportunities. Sen. Cornyn recently presented legislation to improve and support GEAR UP funding across the nation and wanted to see first-hand how grant money was being spent to assist students. Three 2017 Lufkin High School GEAR UP graduates shared how GEAR UP guided them by having high expectations, providing support and encouragement to take advanced classes and lead them through the college admission process. The Senator also participated in activities from the upcoming STEM Mission to Advancement Space Camp sponsored by GEAR UP.
Over the past 20 years, Lufkin ISD has participated in four GEAR UP grants. Nearly 3,000 students have received more than $10 million in federal grant funds. Next school year the current GEAR UP grant will serve 1,150 Lufkin Middle School 7th & 8th graders.
(PHOTOS BY Sen. Cornyn’s office)