Kids offered chance to make cash for college

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Seventh graders are getting more than just help with school work; they are now getting the chance to get money for college.

New Haven and Southern Connecticut University is announcing a new program available to 7th graders in eight of the city's schools.

The eight New Haven schools are:

• Augusta Lewis Troup School
• Beecher School
• Celentano School
• Katherine Brennan School
• Lincoln-Bassett School
• Mauro-Sheridan Magnet School
• King-Robinson School

Students qualifying for GearUp receive tutoring and even free summer school until high school, and if they maintain good grades they will receive money for college.

"I think I'm just so happy because it gives me the chance and it gives us more money to go to school and to college," said 7th grader Katherine Wojcik. "I really hope this will help my opportunity to get into college."

The program is part of a $31 million federal grant also available to students in Waterbury and Hartford.