The Trump administration has terminated the GEAR UP program in Indiana, a federal initiative designed to support college preparedness for low-income students. The decision, which affects a $34.9 million grant awarded to Purdue University under the previous administration, has raised concerns about the future of educational support in underserved communities.
Clarence Grier, a graduate of Gary West Side Leadership Academy, credits GEAR UP with reigniting his interest in education. “GEAR UP was a massive opportunity not only for me, but for all the kids involved,” said Grier, who is currently studying electronic technology at Lincoln Tech in Melrose Park, Illinois. He highlighted the program’s role in providing access to activities such as robotics and gardening, which broadened students’ horizons.
The U.S. Department of Education formally notified Purdue of the grant’s cancellation in a letter dated September 12, 2023. According to a report by WFYI Public Radio, the letter stated that the program was inconsistent with the federal government’s priorities of “merit, fairness, and excellence in education.” The department expressed concerns about GEAR UP’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and its perceived inappropriate use of federal funds.
GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, has significantly impacted Gary by connecting with students from two middle schools through their senior year. The program recently hosted summer STEM workshops at Bailly STEM Academy and Gary Middle School, providing students with field trips and hands-on projects that included a community garden initiative in partnership with the Shirley Heinze Land Trust.
Another graduate, Joseph Coburn, shared how GEAR UP influenced his culinary career. Currently enrolled in culinary arts at Ivy Tech Lake County, Coburn noted that GEAR UP introduced him to cooking shows, provided internship opportunities, and connected him with local chefs.
The termination of the GEAR UP program is part of a broader trend under the Trump administration to replace DEI initiatives with merit-based programs. This shift has been echoed by several Republican governors, including Mike Braun, who in January mandated the removal of DEI initiatives from state departments. Last month, funding was also withdrawn from universities with high minority student populations, including Purdue University Northwest and Indiana University Northwest, both classified as Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Officials from both universities have not commented on the recent funding cuts. However, when Indiana University Northwest received its designation last year, Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive academic environment that supports all students.
The GEAR UP program, established by Congress in 1998 during the Bill Clinton administration, aimed to provide federal funding to enhance college readiness for low-income students through STEM education. The recent cancellations in Indiana, as well as similar terminations in New Hampshire and Ohio, signal a significant shift in educational policy that could impact countless students who rely on such support for their academic futures.
