University of Hawaii at West Oahu receives $2.7M grant

The University of Hawaii at West Oahu has received a $2.7 million grant to help students in postsecondary education.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports U.S. Department of Education gave the university the money under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

The programs, more commonly referred to as GEAR UP, focus on increasing the college and career readiness of low-income and underserved students in…

Human rights lawyer from Kenya speaks to peninsula students about importance of education

Many of you may remember Chris Mburu, human rights lawyer and Kenya native, from the 2017 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. He recently travelled even farther from his home; he went to the Kenai Peninsula and visited Project Grad students there. He and Kimani Nyambura did their traditional run with local folks and wore their memorable sweatshirts: “Education is a Human Right.”

The surprising Maine county that sends so many kids to college

Check out this story about GEAR UP Maine student, Julian, and his journey to college. In addition to Julian, GEAR UP Maine is helping students attend college at incredibly high rates. Check out this news article to read more about how GEAR UP students are attending college at rates nearly as high as their higher-income peers.

Parents get schooled while students catch up        

Ottumwa High School, part of Iowa GEAR UP, hosts a Saturday Catch-Up Academy six times each year to help students finish homework and make up assignments. They are now expanding the Catch-Up Academy to be more – parents can attend and learn how to pay for college and use PowerSchool, their Student Information System app that can track children’s attendance and grades.

Jumpstart Program Helps Gear Up Students Succeed Prior to First Year of College

GEAR UP students attending the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley had the chance to participate in a five-week Jumpstart program that aims to help students succeed in the first year in college. The summer bridge-style program focuses on reading, writing, and note-taking skills, along with networking and moving around campus.

Vermilionville Education Enrichment Partnership brings hands-on experience to high-school students

GEAR UP students in Lafayette, Louisiana, had the opportunity to take a look into history while walking toward their futures. GEAR UP worked with the Vermilionville Education Enrichment Partnership (VEEP), a service-learning collaboration between Vermilionville, the ULL Lafayette Education Department, and the Lafayette Parish School System. 

Through the partnership, students have the opportunity…

Harrisonburg students 'GEAR Up' for higher education

Virginia GEAR UP students visited Eastern Mennonite University to learn about the majors the school has and check out the campus. Getting a glimpse of college is helping students decide what to do after high school.

GEARed UP for success: Grant aimed at helping Rock Falls students succeed in college

In Illinois, students in Rock Falls Middle School participated in a GEAR UP activity to help them practice teamwork and problem-solving skills. While the activity was challenging for students, they were able to build new skills.

Spotlight on brotherhood: Omega Psi Phi gives back

In Alabama, the Beta Mu Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held an Annual Achievement Week Program. Alabama GEAR UP works with the chapter and part of the grant will fund the fraternity’s youth outreach program, helping students give back to their community.