LSU College of Human Sciences & Education to Hold Press Conference Announcing $70M GEAR UP Louisiana Forward Grant Program
November 17, 2026
GULF Press Conference & Announcement Celebration Details:
- Tuesday, November 17
- 10 a.m.
- Huey P. Long Field House
- 50 Field House Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
LSU College of Human Sciences & Education will hold a press conference on November 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Huey P. Long Field House Ballroom to announce a seven-year, $35 million U.S. Department of Education grant to launch GEAR UP Louisiana Forward (GULF), a statewide initiative that will support Louisiana students prepare for success in high school, postsecondary education, workforce training and STEM careers. With required matching funds, the award represents an investment of more than $70 million in Louisiana’s students, families, schools and communities.
Led by Judith Falgout Rhodes, PhD, LMSW, College of Human Sciences & Education's Acting Associate Dean of Research and Director of the Social Research & Evaluation Center in partnership with participating school districts, GULF will provide students with tutoring, mentoring, STEM enrichment, college and career guidance, and other supports designed to strengthen academic preparation, increase high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment, and expand opportunity across the state.
About the LSU Social Research & Evaluation Center
The LSU Social Research & Evaluation Center, or SREC, advances social initiatives
to improve the lives of individuals, families, and their communities through our research,
evaluation, and partnerships. SREC’s interdisciplinary team of expert faculty and
staff work in projects among four areas of impact: strengthening communities, education,
public safety, and health and wellbeing. SREC is a research center of excellence in
the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education.