Dr. Hunter Huckabay of the College of Education and Applied Professional Studies has been awarded $322,926 from the U.S. Department of Education for the fifth and final year of a project entitled GEAR UP I.  He also received $475,211 for the fourth year of a five-year project entitled GEAR UP II.  Both programs provide a support system that will encourage students to complete high school and to pursue a college education.

GEAR UP I works in conjunction with the Hamilton County Department of Education and eight other community partners. This program serves students in Franklin, Orchard Knob, and Chattanooga Middle Schools. GEAR UP II also works with the Hamilton County Department of Education and five community partners to serve the Dalewood Middle School and East Lake Fine Arts Academy.

GEAR UP provides professional development opportunities for teachers, workshops to increase parental involvement, and a variety of support services for students including tutoring, mentoring, counseling, life skills training, summer academic camps, and college admissions and financial aid workshops. 

Congratulations to Dr. Huckabay! Your program reaches out to Chattanooga students and families, increasing planning and preparation for college and improving opportunities for local youths to achieve their academic goals.