GREEN DOT PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECEIVES $8.84 MILLION, SEVEN-YEAR GEAR UP GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

March 3, 2026 - 05:45

Green Dot Public Schools has been selected as the sole charter public school organization in the nation to receive a substantial GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The award, totaling $8.84 million in federal funding over seven years, is dedicated to enhancing college readiness and postsecondary preparation for students.

This federal investment represents half of the total project award, with the remaining funds to be matched from other sources. The grant will enable Green Dot to implement a comprehensive, long-term program designed to guide students toward higher education and successful careers. The initiative focuses on providing critical academic support, mentorship, and resources often needed to navigate the path to college, particularly for students from underserved communities.

The seven-year timeline of the grant allows for sustained intervention, supporting students from their early secondary education years through their initial steps into postsecondary institutions. School officials emphasize that this consistent, multi-year support is crucial for building a strong foundation and dismantling systemic barriers to college access. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to pursue and complete degrees, thereby fostering greater educational equity and opportunity across the communities served by Green Dot Public Schools.