HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — UAH, the University of Alabama campus in Huntsville, has landed a federal grant worth $3,231,252 to follow roughly 700 students in Limestone and Marshall counties from seventh grade until they finish high school, steering them toward college or job training.
The money comes through GEAR UP, a federal Education Department program that prepares students early for college. The six-year award covers Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2032, and UAH and the two school systems are putting in money of their own.
Students in the single group will get tutoring, job shadowing, trips to campus, work-based learning and workshops for their families, plus lessons in money management. Math teachers in the partner schools will get extra training, and one goal is a strong start in Algebra I during ninth grade. Marshall County’s part of the effort runs through two campuses, Douglas Middle and Asbury High.
Bryan Samuel, a UAH vice president who serves as the lead investigator on the grant, said the partnership will help students build on their strengths and look further ahead at careers. Limestone County Schools Superintendent Randy Shearouse said the program adds help in math, English and student services, and Marshall County Superintendent Cindy Wigley said it should raise achievement and college and career readiness.
Activities will be planned with local teachers, families and community partners so they match what students need. Backers point to a Georgetown University workforce study projecting that 85% of good U.S. jobs will require schooling or training past high school by 2031.
Section: More Huntsville AL education news
Filed under: Huntsville AL Education News
