INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 School and Community Partnership Grant until September 18th. These grants are designed to bring together K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions, employers and community organizations to plan and implement supportive efforts for students of all ages to complete education and training beyond high school.

Funding for the School and Community Partnership Grant is made possible through Indiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. Led by a team of staff from Purdue University and the Commission, one of the primary goals of Indiana GEAR UP is to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.

A total of $80,000 is available for the fall/winter grant cycle. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $5,000 for programming. If the partnership directly supports an Indiana GEAR UP cohort high school, the award amount is increased to $10,000. Preference will be given to applications that focus on developing sustainable support for students and families at one or more of the 11 Indiana GEAR UP partner schools.

Additional points will be awarded for narrative that supports high-need focus areas, including completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and career exploration, as well as 21st Century Scholar enrollment, Scholar Success Program completion and adult student engagement.