PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Students who study hard and stay in school will be awarded with college, Congressman Fattah told seventh graders tonight.  

As the keynote speaker at an awards ceremony in West Philadelphia, Congressman Fattah presented students with 21st Century Scholars Certificates, letting them know college is within their reach.

The  21st Century Scholars Certificates are just one component of the GEAR UP initiative.  Championed by Chaka Fattah in the United States Congress, the GEAR UP program has already benefitted thousands of students nationwide as they seek to go on to college.  Tonight, Congressman Fattah saw this program put into action as he keynoted the first Twenty-First Century Scholars Awards Program, in the heart of his district. Seventh grade students from the Overbrook Cluster were awarded 21st Century Scholars Certificates,so that there will never be any doubt that they can go on to college.

In Philadelphia, GEAR UP, the signature program of the Higher Education Act of 1998, will affect upwards of 17,000 middle school and senior high school students by its fifth year of its implementation. In its first year alone, GEAR UP benefitted 4,180 middle school students in 21 schools and Philadelphia received $3.3 million in federal funds. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program) is a $200 million appropriated program and was the highlight of President Clinton’s recent trip to Sulzberger Middle School.