Bronx Institute Awarded Seven-Year GEAR UP Grant to Strengthen College Pathways in the Bronx

The Bronx Institute at Lehman College has been awarded a new seven-year federal GEAR UP grant totaling more than $16 million, paired with a dollar-for-dollar match that brings the initiative’s total investment to over $32 million. The program, GEAR UP INSPIRES, began October 1, 2025, and will expand the Institute’s long-standing work supporting Bronx students on their journey to college.

While the new grant continues the core services of previous GEAR UP cycles—academic enrichment, advising, and family engagement—it also introduces key enhancements. For the first time, Bronx Community College will join as a partner, creating a stronger pipeline from middle school through CUNY and into four-year degrees. The program features an expanded emphasis on career preparation and helping students understand the world of work.

GEAR UP INSPIRES serves both 6th and 7th grade students at 16 Bronx middle schools. The program will follow students through high school graduation and their first year of college. This long-term support aims to help families make informed decisions at every educational stage, with special attention to post-secondary education planning.

“We are deeply grateful for this grant, which gives us the opportunity to again work alongside Bronx students and their families as they pursue their post-secondary dreams,” said Professor Herminio Martinez, Executive Director of The Bronx Institute. “These resources will allow us to strengthen our partnerships and expand opportunities for students across the borough.”

With GEAR UP INSPIRES, The Bronx Institute continues its mission to promote educational equity and broaden college access for Bronx youth.

The LINK Program at The Bronx Institute at Lehman College is a multi-year college readiness and leadership program for high-achieving Bronx high school students. For more than 25 years, The Bronx Institute has helped students prepare for college through rigorous academic enrichment, personalized advising, and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. LINK builds on that longstanding tradition by providing students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to successfully navigate the transition from high school to college.

LINK graduates have gone on to attend leading colleges and universities, and continued their education by earning master's and doctoral degrees and have pursued successful careers in education, business, engineering, healthcare, law, public service, technology, and the sciences.

Programming takes place on the Lehman College campus through Saturday sessions, summer experiences, and special events held throughout the academic year. By spending time on a college campus and working closely with faculty, staff, and mentors, students gain firsthand experience with college expectations while building confidence as future college students.

The LINK curriculum is organized around three core areas:

• Advanced Academic Enrichment: Students participate in challenging coursework, seminars, and enrichment activities that strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• College Planning and Application Support: Students receive individualized guidance throughout the college admissions process, including college selection, essay development, financial aid and scholarship information, and application preparation.
• College Success and Leadership Development: Workshops and experiential learning opportunities help students develop the study skills, time management, leadership, and self-advocacy skills needed to thrive in college and beyond.

In addition to academic programming, LINK students participate in college visits, cultural experiences, guest speaker events, service projects, and team-building activities that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their sense of community. Each student works closely with a dedicated advisor who provides ongoing mentorship and individualized support throughout high school.

Students typically enter the program during 10th grade and remain active through high school graduation. After enrolling in college, alumni continue to be connected to The Bronx Institute through workshops, networking opportunities, mentoring, and special events that support their continued educational and professional development.

Students are eligible to apply if they live in or attend high school in The Bronx, have earned at least an 85 average in their core academic subjects, and demonstrate a strong commitment to academic achievement and personal growth. Interested students and families should contact the LINK Program Coordinator by sending an email to Dora.Padilla@lehman.cuny.edu.  A completed application includes an online application, a short personal essay, the applicant's most recent report card, and a recommendation from a teacher or other educator.