Most sixth and seventh graders in Fort Wayne Community Schools will benefit from a "highly sought-after" federal grant that will bring nearly $20 million to the district over seven years, officials said.

The district was among six nationwide recipients of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs partnership grant, said Shenita Bolton, chief of family and community engagement and Schools of Success.

"I'm ecstatic because our students are very deserving," she told the school board Monday. "It means that we can pour resources into our district to make sure that our students are succeeding."

Known as GEAR UP, the grant will annually provide FWCS with nearly $2.8 million for a total award of about $19.4 million. The board unanimously accepted the funding.

"This i

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