Oh, no—I am so incredibly sorry to hear this. Sending positive thoughts for a successful appeal. I am hopeful you will all be able to continue your important work in college access and support. <3

 

From: - MEEOA-L - Maine Educational Opportunity Association members communication <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Darylen Cote
Sent: Thursday, October 7, 2021 9:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: {Disarmed} Re: GEAR UP Maine

 

I understand the heartbreak. Stay strong and rely on your colleagues. Things can change. We activated our alumni network in a letter writing campaign, and our congressional delegation was awesome in advocating for us. Be sure to fill them in completely and in detail about why you were rejected.

Thinking of you,

Darylen

Sent from my iPhone



On Oct 7, 2021, at 9:23 AM, Lynn Ploof-Davis <[log in to unmask]> wrote:



Well, said.  Please know that hearts and thoughts are with you all today.  Sometimes (let's face it, ALL of the time) it often feels like the evaluation of our applications has very little to do with the good work that is done with, and for, students.  -Lynn

 

#trioworks

Lynn Ploof-Davis

Director of TRIO Programs
Upward Bound/Johnson Scholars

 

University of Maine at Farmington

252 Main St.
Room 202
Farmington, ME 04938
207-778-7297 (w)

207-491-6862 (c)
she/her/hers

 

 

 

 

On Thu, Oct 7, 2021 at 9:17 AM Ginny Ward <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

GEAR UP colleagues, I'm so sorry to hear this difficult news. We stand together in Maine and for Maine students. Please let us know when and how we can rally in support of your program so the important work can continue! Keeping you in good thoughts,

Ginny

 

Ginny Fowles Ward (she/her)

Associate Director

 

Bowdoin College Upward Bound

3400 College Station / Brunswick ME / 04011

Cell: 207-841-7539

Office: 207-725-3565

From: - MEEOA-L - Maine Educational Opportunity Association members communication <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Mary Freeman <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, October 7, 2021 9:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: GEAR UP Maine

 



The University of Maine Farmington and Syntiro are extremely disappointed to share that we have learned that our "GEAR UP Maine RISE" application was not selected for funding. There appears to be a number of inconsistencies from past competitions that we and other states have questions about.  We will continue to engage the US Department of Education to better understand their review of our proposal and exhaust all avenues of appeal. We will let you know if we need your assistance during this process.

 

We remain committed to the critically important  GEAR UP mission and will work to seek alternative strategies to address the overwhelming needs in Maine's economically challenged rural areas. 

 

A no cost extension for the 2014-2021 GEAR UP program was previously approved by US ED through 9/24/2022 and our work on the Supplemental Award to study the Class of 2020 for five years will both continue. 

 

For more information please contact  Laurie Gardner, UMF ([log in to unmask]) or Debbie Gilmer, Syntiro ([log in to unmask]).

 

--