Trump’s funding cut shuts down college-prep program in Akron city for over 1500 students
Akron Public Schools’ initiative to help low-income and first-generation students prepare for college has suffered a major setback after the U.S. Department of Education abruptly cut funding. The move impacts hundreds of students and staff and raises concerns over the future of college-readiness programs in Ohio.
Federal funding cut : $3.6 million slashed
The Department of Education canceled roughly $3.6 million of the $7 million promised over seven years for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) grant. Akron was among five Ohio programs affected, including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion component at the center of controversy
Yvonne Culver, director of school counseling and student wellness for Akron Public Schools, explained that the grant was cut because the district’s original application included diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which the federal agency had encouraged at the time. The district argued that Akron no longer maintains a DEI office or initiatives, but federal officials denied the appeal.
GEAR UP in Akron: Supporting students beyond the classroom
The AIM HIGH Akron GEAR UP program, launched in 2021, served around 1,500 middle and high school students. The program provided mentoring, college visits, summer enrichment programs, and cultural events aimed at exposing students to college and career readiness opportunities. Students at North High School created a video highlighting the skills and experiences gained through the program, hoping to influence federal decision-makers.
Staff reductions and reassignments
Following the funding cut on September 30, the Akron school board made immediate staff changes on October 6. Four student success coaches and the AIM HIGH Akron GEAR UP program manager were laid off. Some former GEAR UP staff, including Jazzmon Britton, were reassigned within the district using district funds or Title IV funding, which supports student achievement and well-being. Former student success coaches were also hired as substitute teachers and tutors.
Project GRAD Akron faces uncertainty
Project GRAD Akron, the lead partner on the GEAR UP program, could also face staff reductions. Despite the challenges, district officials are actively exploring alternative grants and creating an abbreviated program to continue offering some GEAR UP services to students.
Lawmakers call for reversal
Ohio lawmakers, including U.S. Reps. Shontel Brown, Emilia Sykes, Marcy Kaptur, Joyce Beatty, and Greg Landsman, have jointly petitioned U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse the cuts. They warned that the decision affects over 16,000 students across Ohio and represents more than $28 million in lost federal funding statewide.
Looking Ahead
The defunding of Akron’s GEAR UP program highlights the challenges that school districts face when federal funding priorities shift. For now, Akron Public Schools continues to explore ways to maintain college-readiness opportunities for its students through alternative funding and modified programs.
