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.

LINK: 

The LINK Program at The Bronx Institute at Lehman College is a multi-year Saturday and summer college preparatory program for high achieving Bronx high school students. We have been preparing Bronx students for college for over 25 years, and have developed programs for high-achieving students for college success the entire time. Our alumni have gone on to attend some of the nation’s top colleges and universities (Harvard, Wesleyan, Columbia, Bowdoin, and many others). Many continue their education, earning master’s and doctoral degrees, and go on to become leaders in fields such as business, education, engineering, international development, and the sciences. The LINK Program is borne out of that legacy and brings the work of our two programs for high-achieving Bronx high school students - the ENLACE Collegiate Society and the Bronx Institute Honor Scholars - together under one banner. 

Through our programming on the Lehman College campus, LINK students develop the meaningful knowledge and skills to enroll and succeed in college. This preparation is focused in three categories that, together, link students to opportunities to design their futures: 1) Advanced Courses, 2) College Application Support, and 3) Skill-Building for College. Along the way, students participate in workshops, college visits, and team-building exercises as a group; additionally, a dedicated advisor works with each student to prepare them for the next chapter after high school.  

LINK program activities run from the 10th grade through high school graduation; after graduation, LINK students are engaged through periodic alumni events, such as workshops and check-ins. These events often provide alumni with knowledge about educational, graduate school, and employment opportunities. 

Similar to ENLACE, students eligible to join the LINK program live or attend high school in The Bronx, have an 85+ GPA in their core subjects, and demonstrate an active interest in working towards their educational goals. Interested students and families should contact the ENLACE/LINK Program Coordinator at TheENLACEprogram@gmail.com. Complete applications include an online form, a short essay, their most recent report card, and a recommendation form to be filled out by a teacher or educator.

ENLACE:

ENLACE is a multi-year program that provides high achieving Bronx middle school students with advanced academic courses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and critical writing. These program activities take place at Lehman College-CUNY on Saturdays during the school year and weekdays in the summer. In addition to academic coursework, students participate in skill-building activities while developing the knowledge and research skills to navigate the high school application process. Families are engaged through annual workshops.

Through these program activities, enrolled students acquire the knowledge, skills, and exposure to new fields central to building the world of tomorrow. As a result, ENLACE students are prepared for accelerated educational attainment, personal success, and leadership in their communities and high-growth industries. 

ENLACE program activities run from the end of 6th grade through middle school graduation. To be eligible, students must live or attend school in The Bronx, have an 85+ GPA in their core subjects, and demonstrate an active interest in working towards their educational goals. Interested students and families should contact the ENLACE/LINK Program Coordinator at TheENLACEprogram@gmail.com. Complete applications include an online form, a short essay, most recent report cards, and a recommendation form that should be filled out by a teacher or educator that has worked directly with the student.