Nevada announces extension of education grant

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- State education officials say Nevada is being awarded a $21 million federal grant over seven years to continue an education program designed to help low-income and disadvantaged students prepare for college.

The Gaining Early Awareness and Education for Undergraduate Programs, also known as GEAR UP, helps provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools to make students better prepared for college.

Nevada officials say 4,000 Nevada students have benefited from $30 million in federal GEAR UP grants received over the past 11 years.

They say the renewal of the grant will help another 5,000 students over the next seven years.

Officials will formally announce the grant during an event scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Education.