Akron Public Schools’ vital initiative, designed to prepare low-income and first-generation students for college, has been severely disrupted. The U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly halted funding, jeopardizing the future of college-readiness programs across Ohio and affecting numerous students and dedicated staff.
Federal Funding Slashed: A $3.6 Million Blow
The Department of Education rescinded approximately $3.6 million of the $7 million initially pledged over seven years for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) grant. This affects Akron, along with four other Ohio programs, including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Core of the Controversy
According to Yvonne Culver, Director of School Counseling and Student Wellness for Akron Public Schools, the grant was revoked because the district’s original application, submitted when such initiatives were encouraged, contained diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) components. Despite the district’s assertion that it no longer maintains a DEI office or related initiatives, federal officials denied their appeal to reinstate the funding.
GEAR UP in Akron: Empowering Students Beyond Academics
Launched in 2021, the AIM HIGH Akron GEAR UP program served approximately 1,500 middle and high school students. It offered invaluable support through mentoring, organized college visits, enriching summer programs, and cultural events. These activities were crucial in exposing students to essential college and career readiness opportunities. Students from North High School even produced a video showcasing their acquired skills and experiences, hoping to sway federal decision-makers.
Immediate Impact: Staff Reductions and Reassignments
The funding cessation on September 30 led to prompt personnel changes by the Akron school board on October 6. Four student success coaches and the AIM HIGH Akron GEAR UP program manager were laid off. However, some former GEAR UP staff, including Jazzmon Britton, were reassigned to other roles within the district, utilizing existing district funds or Title IV funding dedicated to student achievement. Additionally, former success coaches were rehired as substitute teachers and tutors.
Uncertainty for Project GRAD Akron
Project GRAD Akron, a key partner in the GEAR UP program, also faces potential staff reductions. Despite these significant challenges, district officials are actively seeking alternative grants and developing a scaled-down program to continue providing some GEAR UP services to students.
Lawmakers Urge Reversal of Cuts
A group of Ohio lawmakers, including U.S. Representatives Shontel Brown, Emilia Sykes, Marcy Kaptur, Joyce Beatty, and Greg Landsman, have jointly appealed to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, requesting a reversal of these cuts. They emphasized that this decision impacts over 16,000 students statewide and represents a loss of more than $28 million in critical federal funding.
Looking to the Future
The defunding of Akron’s GEAR UP program underscores the complex challenges school districts encounter when federal funding priorities shift. Akron Public Schools remains committed to exploring every avenue to ensure its students continue to have access to vital college-readiness opportunities through alternative funding and revised programs.