DeSoto ISD Secures New Federal GEAR UP Grant to Expand College and Career Readiness
DeSoto Independent School District has received notice of a new federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs grant that will expand college and career readiness resources for a new cohort of DeSoto ISD scholars and their families.
The U.S. Department of Education notified the district of the award Sept. 22. The new initiative, GEAR UP 4 The Future, is structured as a seven-year program with a project period from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2033.
DeSoto ISD has been awarded approximately $1.07 million for the first year of the program. Based on the federal award structure, the grant represents an estimated $7.5 million over seven years, contingent on annual continuation funding and federal requirements.
For DeSoto ISD, the new award provides an opportunity to build on the district’s ongoing work to ensure scholars have access to the information, resources and experiences needed to begin preparing for their futures well before their senior year.
“GEAR UP 4 The Future is about creating a clear pathway for our scholars to see what is possible and then giving them the tools, resources and support to pursue those possibilities,” said Dr. Calvin Green, program director for College Driven GEAR UP.
The program will provide participating scholars and families with comprehensive support designed to strengthen academic achievement and prepare students for success beyond high school. Services are expected to include academic support and tutoring, college and career readiness programming, postsecondary planning and resources to help families navigate financial planning for college and other postsecondary pathways.
Green said that preparation is most effective when students are introduced to college and career opportunities long before they reach their final years of high school.
“College and career readiness does not begin during a student’s senior year,” Green said. “It is developed over time through intentional academic preparation, meaningful exposure and strong partnerships with families.”
The district’s initial implementation plan identifies five roles to support the launch of GEAR UP 4 The Future: project director, college and career readiness coordinator, family and financial advocate, site coordinator and program assistant. Four new grant-funded positions are included in the current launch plan.
Specific information regarding participating campuses and the student cohort will be announced as implementation planning continues.
The seven-year structure is intended to provide sustained support as participating scholars progress through their academic journey and begin making decisions about life after high school.
“This grant gives us another opportunity to walk alongside our scholars throughout that journey and help them graduate prepared to take their next step with confidence,” Green said.
The award is currently moving through the district’s formal acceptance and budget approval process.
Through GEAR UP 4 The Future, DeSoto ISD will continue advancing its commitment to creating meaningful pathways that connect classroom learning with college, career and postsecondary opportunities while equipping Eagle scholars with the resources and support needed to envision, prepare for and pursue their futures.