Nevada gets grant to help students prepare for college

CARSON CITY - Nevada is one of seven states to be awarded a $21 million federal grant over seven years to help prepare high school students for college.

Officials say the $3 million-a-year GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education will benefit more than 5,400 students in 19 targeted middles schools located in nine of Nevada's 17 school districts. Counties were selected on economic need.

The program will focus on providing students with mentoring and tutoring, as well as nurturing interest in science, math, engineering and technology.