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What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded grant program designed to increase the numbers of low-income students who graduate from high school and go on to attend college.

GEAR UP Goals:

GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program whose goal is to increase college awareness for students and their families and to help students develop the skills and preparation necessary to pursue education after high school.

Many of America's talented young people end their formal education at high school. For them, the opportunity to finish high school and progress to college is not apparent. This is due to a number of factors including: low expectations, low motivation and lack of appropriate curriculum, instruction and support.

Although this problem cuts across all income levels, it is particularly acute for the nation's poor. Today, high academic achievers from low-income families are five times less likely to attend college than their more economically advantaged peers.

GEAR UP is designed to enable more young Americans to stay in school, study hard, and take the right courses to succeed in college. It is aimed at enabling low-income communities and States to create new or expanded plans that strengthen their schools and provide educational opportunities for low-income students. Through GEAR UP, the U.S. Department of Education addresses the challenge to help more low-income students become prepared academically and financially to enter into and succeed in college.

Mentors facilitate a student’s educational, social, and personal growth through a supportive one-on-one relationship. For lack of a better word, a mentor is a “role model.” Tutors assist with core academic courses, such as algebra, reading or writing.

Services and Activities

☺ Tutoring and mentoring
☺ Help with homework and study skills
☺ Educational planning
☺ Career counseling and goal setting
☺ Career exposure with businesses and industries
☺ ACT and SAT tutoring
☺ College awareness and exploration
☺ Field trips and activities
☺ After school and summer activities
☺ Family nights at local events
☺ Campus cultural events
☺ Staff development and training
☺ College visits for students and their families
☺ Financial aid information

WARNING!
Parental Involvement Leads To:

☺ Increased communication between parents or guardians, and school and students.
☺ Increased awareness of financial aid.
☺ Increased family involvement in student academic performance.