B6.20 - Approve the Agreement for Technical Services #20034-ATS-IV with the University of South Florida (USF) Accelerated Summer and Intersession Academic Programs for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Project Securing College/Career Opportunities Through Rigor in Education (SCORE) Grant (Academic Services)

The goal of the grant is to support low-income students in the development of college readiness skills.  The purpose of GEAR UP Project SCORE is to increase early college awareness among targeted students from the GEAR UP sites (East Bay High School and Spoto High School) by expanding services and enhancing resources to serve students, educators, and as a result, schools as a whole via its proposed project. This is year six of the six-year grant that will end on September 24, 2020.

This USF virtual camp will provide all students with an opportunity to experience college-level academics facilitated by USF professors and supported by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). The partnership with USF will provide virtual academic classes, free application for federal student aide workshops, parenting sessions, college planning, writing sessions, as well as financial activities that will support students and parents. USF will provide all materials for the program. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students under the advisement of certified high school teachers. The camp scheduling flexibility is in consideration of students' employment as essential workers and their roles as family caretakers. HCPS teachers will support the students while they complete the projects that have been prepared for them by the college professors. A parent orientation is planned as parental support is a vital component of the program's success. 

GEAR UP grants require the cohort students to receive services in alignment with grant goals. We are preparing students as they prepare for life after graduation. Students and parents have expressed a need for support as the students enter their senior year of high school. Students participating in the camp will have an opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring from current USF students as they support HCPS students in the transition from high school to become college and career ready. 

This is the first year for a virtual camp. Performance data is provided annually to the United States Department of Education through an Annual Performance Report by the District. The Annual Performance Report will be completed with the support of the external evaluator who will review and analyze the grant outcomes.   

USF will provide a virtual college experience program, including academic enrichment, during a two-week virtual camp. HCPS students will develop college readiness skills and knowledge in preparation for participation in higher learning.  

* Improve the high school graduation rate

* Improve Student Achievement

* Develop a culture of respect, trust, collaboration and equity

That the Board approve agreement #20034-ATS-IV with the USF Accelerated Summer and Intersession Academic Programs for GEAR UP Project SCORE Grant.

Terry Connor, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, Academic Services, terry.connor@hcps.net, (813) 272-4221
Eric Bergholm, General Director, Advanced Academics, eric.bergholm@sdhc.k12.fl.us, (813) 272-4559

Not to exceed $34,687.44 from GEAR UP SCORE, Project 3781.