Fattah Introduces Resolution for National GEAR UP Day Sept. 29, Says College Readiness Equals Job Opportunities

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), architect of the nationally successful GEAR UP program that provides college readiness and preparation for low-income students, today introduced a House Resolution that spotlights September 29 as National GEAR UP Day.

"GEAR UP not only prepares our underserved young people for the rigors of higher education, it sets them on a path to success in the job market that is enhanced by a college degree," said Fattah, an education innovator and advocate throughout his eight terms in Congress.

"Even in these tough economic times, hundreds of thousands of jobs go begging because job seekers, especially young adults, don't have the education and skills to compete," Fattah said. "GEAR UP provides preparation and readiness skills to sixth through 12th graders in our poorest schools that translate to employment opportunities as well as college achievement."

GEAR UP – Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs – has served about 12 million students with about $3 billion in federal resources since its inception in September 1999. Fattah created and guided GEAR UP to passage in legislation signed by President Clinton.

In Fattah's hometown of Philadelphia, GEAR UP is providing college readiness services for almost 7,000 sixth through 12th graders attending, or on track to attend, Audenreid, Edison, Frankford, Franklin, Olney East, Olney West, University City, Fels, Furness, Germantown and Overbrook High Schools.

The Resolution, supporting the goals of National GEAR UP Day Sept. 29, declares that the House "recognizes with gratitude the contributions of caring teachers, counselors and program staff who encourage and prepare students for success in college; and encourages all students to set ambitious goals to work hard to achieve their dreams."

GEAR UP, according to the Resolution, currently provides "essential college preparatory services" to 670,000 students in over 5,000 schools in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and American territories. GEAR UP Day observances are planned in many of these states.

On Sept. 29 at 10 a.m., Fattah will join U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for National GEAR UP Day kickoff ceremonies at Friendship Public Charter School in Washington D.C. The program will be transmitted by closed circuit to GEAR UP Day events in states from Pennsylvania to Texas.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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