The purpose of the funding is to provide more opportunities for disadvantaged and low-income youths in New Jersey to pursue a college education, Holt said in a statement.
“The strength of our communities and vitality of our economy depend on the effectiveness of our schools,” he said.
GEAR UP aims to increase college readiness among low-income students through six-year grants to states and partnerships that will provide services to high-poverty middle and high schools.
Previously, GEAR UP has served about 1,500 students in Camden, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson and Trenton.
This latest expansion will serve 2,319 students in 58 middle and high schools and will add Atlantic City, Bridgeton and Pleasantville to the New Jersey cities currently benefiting from the grant.