Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University (WMU) has been awarded a $13.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve college readiness among middle school students in five regional school districts. The initiative, which will receive about $1.9 million annually over seven years, is led by Dr. Erika Carr, director of precollege programming at WMU.

“Western Michigan University is excited to expand our reach to help Michigan’s middle schoolers build the skills and confidence to recognize the proven value of a degree long before they arrive on a college campus,” said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. “This federal investment underscores our commitment to student success. It will allow us to provide research-based support, strengthen readiness for high school and empower students to see themselves not only graduating but also prepared to thrive in college.”

Dr. Carr expressed her personal connection to the project: “I’m very passionate about this,” she said. “It is important for all students to know their options after high school and to have a path to achieve their goals, as I did mine.”

The program will begin this fall with around 2,590 sixth- and seventh-grade students in selected districts receiving academic support such as summer camps, tutoring, financial literacy education, and information on postsecondary pathways including four-year colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and certificate programs. The same group of students will continue receiving support through their first year of college.

The main goal is to increase high school graduation rates and encourage postsecondary enrollment among participants. Short-term objectives include improving test scores and grades with programming that adapts as students advance.

“As they get older, we pivot our activities to be more targeted,” Carr said. “We’re trying to give them as much exposure as possible to what’s out there.”

The participating districts are Kalamazoo Public Schools, Parchment School District, Comstock Public Schools, Bloomingdale Public Schools, and Bangor Public Schools.

Carr serves as principal investigator on the grant alongside co-principal investigators Dr. Joe Kretovics and Dr. Brooks Applegate who oversee evaluation efforts; Dr. Joseph R. Morris leads socioemotional and behavioral health training for counseling interns.

“These grants are extremely competitive, and we were up against universities and school districts from all over the country,” Carr said. “We demonstrated that we had a high need and that Western will be meeting those needs through a comprehensive plan for learning experiences that support students’ academic growth, engagement and long-term success."

Dr. Kristen Salomonson commented on the significance of the award: "We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Carr and her team for receiving this highly competitive GEAR UP award. The Office of Precollege Programming’s commitment to creating pathways to higher education is exceptional and will be enhanced by this $13.7 million investment from the U.S. Department of Education," she said."The award will boost WMU’s contribution to college readiness in the region and support students from middle school and beyond."

Families are also expected to benefit from workshops on financial literacy and college preparation offered alongside student services.

This federally funded program expands upon WMU's existing MI GEAR UP state grant—which currently assists low-income students in Benton Harbor—and differs by following all cohort members through high school graduation into their first year of postsecondary education under direct university leadership.

New hires are anticipated as part of the initiative—including paid counseling interns—and more than 30 WMU undergraduates will participate as tutors or summer camp staff.

Dr. Remzi Seker emphasized broader impacts: “developing a pipeline of skilled individuals who will contribute to the region’s growth and well-being.The grant also advances WMU’s educational mission and motto: So that all may learn."

For further updates about Western Michigan University news or events visit WMU News online.