Schools

Services Under Goal 1: Prepare students academically to take college level classes without the need for remediation. To help meet this objective GEAR UP funds services like dual enrollment classes, STEM exploration, academic assessments, academic competitions, robotics and drone classes, as well as professional development for teachers.

Services Under Goal 2: Increase high school graduation levels and college enrollment. To help meet this objective GEAR UP funds services like academic tutoring and remediation, orientations for students entering 7th and 9th grade, college application week, and senior portfolios.  

Services Under Goal 3: Increase parents’ and student’s knowledge of post-secondary options, including affordability. To help meet this objective GEAR UP funds services like career fairs, academic advising that helps parents understand what their student needs to do to be college ready, financial literacy, FAFSA assistance, campus visits, and hosting college student panels.

If you would like to help GEAR UP at your school, volunteer to be a local team member, help with GEAR UP activities, talk with students and their caregivers about why education is needed after high school. Display posters that encourage students to graduate and pursue higher education. Invite guest speakers who can talk about how their education is used in their career. Find creative ways to use assignments to help students connect classroom learning with higher education. 

Talk to students about how your education has helped you in life. Help them understand how to afford college. Encourage them to use tutoring, to take harder classes, and make yourself available to answer their questions. One caring adult can make all the difference. Students beyond the top 5% of academic performers can successfully obtain a college education. One sentence of belief can inspire a student to aim high.