Expanding college access and readiness across Michigan 

Davenport University has been awarded a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education - the largest in university history - to expand college access and readiness for students across Michigan. Through the Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU) Project, Davenport will lead a seven-year initiative that supports more than 1,700 middle school students from high-need communities, helping them build skills, confidence and pathways to higher education and career success.  

Read more about the grant

A group of students gathered around a table outside on the College of Business
Student and teacher in classroom

Empowering Michigan's future students

Davenport's MMGU Project is one of only 32 GEAR UP programs nationwide and one of just two in Michigan selected for this year's highly competitive federal award. 

Over the next seven years, Davenport will work alongside school districts in Lansing, Ypsilanti and Muskegon Heights to provide continuous academic and college readiness support, from 6th grade through the first year of college. 

Program highlights include:

  • After-school robotics and Al learning clubs
  • College and career readiness programs
  • Campus visits to partner colleges and universities
  • Family workshops on higher education access, financial aid and financial literacy  

A statewide collaboration for success

The MMGU Project brings together 23 partner organizations, from museums and workforce development agencies to community colleges, all united in their mission to expand educational opportunity. 

Partners include:

  • Henry Ford Museum
  • Grand Rapids Art Museum
  • Capital Area Michigan Works!
  • Grand Rapids Community College
  • University of Olivet
  • Muskegon Community College
  • Monroe County Community College  

Together, these organizations will create hands-on cultural and career-connected learning experiences that prepare Michigan's next generation for college and beyond.  

What leaders are saying

"Davenport University is honored to lead this transformative initiative that will open doors for more than 1,700 Michigan students." 

- Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., President, Davenport University

"This funding will provide our 6th and 7th grade scholars with the resources and support needed to succeed academically and prepare for their futures." 

- Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools

About GEAR UP 

The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. 

Through GEAR UP, communities across the country are building pipelines of opportunity that connect K-12 education to college and career pathways. Davenport University's MMGU Project proudly advances that mission here in Michigan.

For more information, contact Director, Steve Beauclair, at sbeauclair1@davenport.edu or 616.732.1085.