Federal Program GEAR UP Cut by Trump Administration, Affects Students

The Trump administration has terminated the GEAR UP program in Indiana, a significant move impacting college preparation for low-income students. The decision to revoke the federal grant of $34.9 million awarded to Purdue University last year under the Biden administration was communicated in a letter from the U.S. Department of Education on September 12, 2023.

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, provided essential support to students across ten districts in Indiana, including the Gary Community School Corporation. Clarence Grier, a graduate of Gary West Side Leadership Academy, expressed gratitude for the program. “GEAR UP was a massive opportunity not only for me, but for all the kids involved,” he stated, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering community and engagement through activities like robotics and gardening.

Impact of the Termination on Local Students

The withdrawal of funding has raised concerns among educators and students alike. Grier is currently studying electronic technology at Lincoln Tech in Melrose Park, Illinois. He noted how GEAR UP reignited his interest in education and provided experiences that he would not have otherwise encountered.

According to a report by WFYI Public Radio, the Department of Education cited the grant’s misalignment with its policy of prioritizing “merit, fairness, and excellence in education.” The termination letter criticized Purdue’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, labeling aspects of the program as an “inappropriate use of federal funds.”

The GEAR UP initiative had a strong foothold in Gary, connecting students from middle school through their senior year. The program recently conducted STEM workshops at local schools, enhancing educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Joseph Coburn, another GEAR UP graduate, shared how the program shaped his aspirations to pursue culinary arts. He is now studying at Ivy Tech Lake County in East Chicago. Coburn noted the invaluable resources provided by GEAR UP, including exposure to local chefs and internship opportunities.

Nationwide Implications and Political Context

The termination of the GEAR UP grant is part of a broader trend observed during the Trump administration, which has sought to redefine educational funding priorities, particularly regarding DEI programs. Republican governors, including Indiana’s Mike Braun, have supported this shift. In January 2023, Braun instructed state departments to eliminate all DEI initiatives.

The GEAR UP program has also faced cuts in other states, including New Hampshire and Ohio, although some states continue to receive grants. The program was established in 1998 under the Clinton administration to provide federal funding aimed at preparing low-income students for college through STEM education.

Purdue University Northwest and Indiana University Northwest, both designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions, have seen funding revoked, impacting their ability to support a diverse student body. Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford of Purdue University Northwest previously remarked on the institution’s commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment.

The recent changes in funding underscore the ongoing debate over the future of educational initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in schools. The implications for students like Grier and Coburn highlight the potential consequences of shifting federal priorities on local educational opportunities.