Grant Money Coming to Lafayette Parish School System

Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany says the Lafayette School System will be getting a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Boustany says the funds come from the GEAR UP program, the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.  The purpose of the grant is to assist low-income succeed.

The Congressman says,

"The GEAR UP Program is an excellent tool for local school systems to identify talented low-income students and train them to realize their potential. By giving these students the tools to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty, we can create a new generation of American achievers. I am proud to support the Lafayette Parish School System and the important work they do training the next generation of Louisianans."

Traci Aucoin, the Project Director of GEAR UP in Lafayette Parish, says the support they are getting from the program demonstrates that everyone is invested in success for Louisiana students.

Aucoin says,

"GEAR UP is essential in building academic rigor and support needed to encourage student success, increase commitment to learning and motivate youth to attend post-secondary education. We are grateful for Congressman Boustany's support of GEAR UP and Lafayette Parish Schools.”