GEAR UP: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is a federal partnership grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education which seeks to increase the number of students in the first generation of their family to attend college. This national initiative was created to encourage at-risk students to have high expectations, stay in school, study hard and fulfill college entrance requirements. 

SERVICES:

GEAR UP For College provides services and activities in three major areas:

• Direct Services to Parents
• Direct Services to Students
• Professional Development for Teachers

Middle school and high school students are given academic support in the form of after-school tutoring programs, summer programs, in-school workshops and academic advising sessions. 

Students become aware of higher education via school-wide assemblies, orientation/college application assistance, higher education days, college visits and career awareness activities. Students are provided college student and professional mentors.

An Improvement and Achievement Incentive Program is used to motivate students with activities, incentives and rewards.

OBJECTIVES:

1.  Increase the number of GEAR UP for College students who enroll in and successfully complete core courses (grade C or better) by the end of year 3 and year 6 by 10%.

2a. Ensure that 65% of the college bound GEAR UP for College seniors apply to and,

2b. Ensure that 75% of college bound seniors who apply, enroll in post-secondary education in the fall following their high school graduation.