KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Western Michigan University has been awarded the highly competitive GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, partnership grant through the U.S. Department of Education.
The grant will provide approximately $1.9 million per year over the next seven years, totaling over $13.3 million in support for students in Bangor, Bloomingdale, Comstock, and Kalamazoo Public Schools, along with the Parchment School District.
The grant, originally submitted in February 2025, was officially awarded on October 1, 2025. This transformative initiative will begin immediately, with services launching this academic year for all 6th and 7th grade students. It will follow this same cohort of students through their first year of college, providing sustained, personalized support.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will significantly enhance our ability to prepare students for success in higher education,” said Dr. Jeffrey Thoenes, superintendent of Comstock Public Schools. “This grant is not only a win for Comstock, but also for our partner districts across the region.”
The GEAR UP program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Services will include academic support, career and college counseling, mentoring, financial aid guidance, and family engagement opportunities.
The GEAR UP initiative is a partnership between the districts and Western Michigan University, whose team will be working closely with school leaders to implement the program. The WMU leadership team includes:
• Dr. Erika Carr, Director, Office of Pre-College Programming
• Dr. Joseph Kretovics, Professor Emeritus, Department of Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
• Dr. Brooks Applegate, Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, Research & Technology
“We’re excited to hit the ground running and begin supporting students and families right away,” said Dr. Carr. “Our goal is to build a strong foundation for college and career readiness, starting now and continuing for years to come.”
The grant technically began on October 2, 2025, and preparations are already underway. The first year’s work plan is due to the U.S. Department of Education by November 1, 2025.
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