Federal grant will help R.I. students prepare for college

The Rhode Island congressional delegation joined the Rhode Island post-secondary commissioner and The College Crusade to announce a new federal grant that could provide up to $24.5 million to help public school students succeed in school, prepare for college, and earn a college degree.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the GEAR UP grant will provide Rhode Island with $3.5 million per year for seven years. As a result of the grant funding, about 3,500 students per year from Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, and Cranston will benefit from college-readiness and success services from sixth grade through the end of their first year of college.