112 STAT. 1656 PUBLIC LAW 105-244 —OCT. 7, 1998 programs of increasing access to, and retention of, students in postsecondary education. "(b) GRANTS.—The Secretary may award grants to institutions of higher education or other private and public institutions and organizations, that are carrying out a program or project assisted under this chapter prior to the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, to enable the institutions and organizations to expand and leverage the success of such programs or projects by working in partnership with other institutions, community-based organizations, or combinations of such institutions and organizations, that are not receiving assistance under this chapter and are serving low-income students and first generation college students, in order to— "(1) disseminate and replicate best practices of programs or projects assisted under this chapter; and "(2) provide technical assistance regarding programs and projects assisted under this chapter. "(c) RESULTS. — In order to improve overall program or project effectiveness, the results of evaluations and grants described in this section shall be disseminated by the Secretary to similar programs or projects assisted under this subpart, as well as other individuals concerned with postsecondary access for and retention of low-income individuals and first-generation college students.". SEC. 403. GEAR UP PROGRAM. Chapter 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070a- 21 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: "CHAPTER 2—GATING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS 20 USC 1070a- 'SEC. 404A. EARLY INTERVENTION AND COLLEGE AWARENESS PRO- 21- GRAM AUTHORIZED. "(a) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. —The Secretary is authorized, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, to establish a program that— "(1) encourages eligible entities to provide or maintain a guarantee to eligible low-income students who obtain a secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent), of the financial assistance necessary to permit the students to attend an institution of higher education; and "(2) supports eligible entities in providing— "(A) additional counseling, mentoring, academic support, outreach, and supportive services to elementary school, middle school, and secondary school students who are at risk of dropping out of school; and "(B) information to students and their parents about the advantages of obtaining a postsecondary education and the college financing options for the students and their parents. "(b) AWARDS.— "(1) IN GENERAL. —From funds appropriated under section 404H for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make awards
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