Macon schools awarded over $25 million in grants to help students. How they’ll be used
The Bibb County School District has been awarded over $25 million in federal and state funds to support Macon students and boost college readiness.
Most of the money comes from a seven-year “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” partnership grant, often referred to as GEAR UP, which aims to boost the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in higher education.
The Bibb County School District is one of just three districts nationwide to receive the funding from the US.. Department of Education. Several school officials described the grant as “a significant investment in our students’ future” at Thursday’s board meeting.
“The grant will support various initiatives focused on improving post-secondary readiness and academic achievement, including expanding tutoring services, introducing new college and career readiness programs, and offering additional resources and support for students and their families,” Lori Ward Rodgers, BCSD assistant superintendent for district effectiveness and federal programs, said in a news release.
BCSD will receive more than $2.6 million in GEAR UP grants per year over a seven-year period, totaling more than $18.5 million.
Given Macon’s high rates of student homelessness and poverty, the award will also provide college scholarships to low-income students, giving them a better chance of graduating high school and obtaining a decent-paying job, said Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr.
“Uplifting our students and setting them on a path to success will raise all tides and strengthen the economy for all,” Bishop said in a press release.
In partnership with Central Georgia Technical College, Mentors Project of Bibb County, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union, and United Way of Central Georgia, the grant will provide support for students graduating in 2020 and 2031, school officials said.
21st Century Community Learning Center Grant
The Georgia Department of Education awarded the Bibb County School District nearly $4 million through a competitive grant process, school officials said.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center program provides supplementary academic help and enrichment opportunities to children in 82% of the district’s schools.
It will also support 11 new and 17 existing 21st programs at 28 of the district’s 34 schools.
YouthBuild Grant
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the Bibb County School District three YouthBuild Grants totaling $4.1 million.
YouthBuild is a pre-apprenticeship model that provides at-risk youth with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries.
The program is for youth ages 16-24 who left school without a secondary diploma, and it gives them a second chance at education.
The YouthBuild grant was renewed for its third cycle in 2024.