The University of Alabama at Birmingham is collecting school supply bundles for 42 Black Belt schools in the GEAR UP Alabama program. The UAB School of Education is asking for donations, from small items such as pens and pencils to larger items such as backpacks and reams of paper. Donations can be dropped off at the GUA office in the UAB Education Building Suite 126 until Dec. 15.
“This is the time of the school year when it seems as though students’ supplies start to fall apart,” said Samantha Briggs, Ph.D., GUA project director. “We’re hoping this drive provides them the materials they need to have another successful semester come the spring.”
The School of Education launched GEAR UP Alabama in 2014 to increase the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Approximately 11,000 participate in the program, which is funded by a $49 million award from the U.S. Department of Education.