Staunton Schools, JMU partner to mentor middle school students through graduation

 James Madison University, in partnership with Staunton Schools, was recently awarded the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant.

The grant will infuse approximately $2.3 million in the next seven years into the district to complement existing efforts and launch new K through 12 initiatives.

The grant, which is renewable for seven years, is part of a broader strategy by JMU to support student success and close the learning gap for first-generation and low-income families in the Shenandoah Valley. The grant was awarded at the end of August and the program started Sept. 1, 2024.

JMU will work with the school district to introduce GEAR UP to the students and parents in the coming weeks. The program will follow the seventh- and eighth-grade cohort through their first year of college.

JMU will collaborate with district and teacher leadership to ensure students are better prepared to explore higher education and career options. The comprehensive first-year plan for the GEAR UP program includes JMU hiring dedicated personnel, such as a full-time coordinator and tutors, to work closely with students and provide day-to-day support.

“We are excited about the incredible potential of this collaboration, particularly in reaching families who may feel like college is out of reach for their children. We are eager to work with JMU in this long-term partnership to empower our secondary students for life after high school and equip them with the resources and skills they need for lifelong success,” Staunton Schools Executive Director of Student Services Nate Collins said.

The partnership will leverage a commitment to engage with parents through monthly meetings and offer enriching experiences such as workshops and a summer program. The grant funds will support current seventh- and eighth-graders through their high school graduation. The goal is to implement educational practices that positively impact student outcomes while also exploring how to institutionalize the efforts across future cohorts.

All seventh- and eighth-grade students at Shelburne Middle School can participate in the free GEAR UP program unless they sign a form stating they do not want to have any services provided to them. In 2024, the program will include field trips, family nights and parent workshops. Students can also receive tutoring assistance as well as be involved in a summer program called Summer Jam.

“A key component of the grant is for the JMU College of Education to offer professional development and certificates for teacher leadership and teachers to ensure they have access to the latest and best research-based practices in the field,” Dr. Rudy M. Molina Jr., JMU’s vice provost for student academic success, said. “By working together with local school districts, JMU aims to create a supportive environment that empowers students to achieve their full potential,” said Molina.

Molina said Summer Jam will provide extra support for students who may need help with core academic areas.

In the past four years, JMU has secured more than $5 million in new federal student success grants, which will address the educational disparities that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The GEAR UP grant, along with the TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Talent Search programs, forms the cornerstone of JMU’s vision to foster a culture of community-centered student success.

“These grants, together with existing programs such as Professors in Residence and Valley Scholars, have significantly amplified JMU’s presence and support in the Shenandoah Valley. JMU remains committed to promoting higher education and building a strong, community-centered culture of student success,” said Molina.