App State program to guarantee admission for eligible WHS students

A new program will provide current seniors in 11 western North Carolina districts who meet specific academic requirements with guaranteed admission to Appalachian State University. Appalachian's GEAR UP Guarantee is a collaboration between the university and the region's 11 GEAR UP districts to provide a seamless pathway for high school students to enroll in college. 

From middle to medical school

Mira Costa College and Oceanside Unified School District were recently highlighted for the partnerships they have developed through their GEAR UP grant. Mira Costa GEAR UP partnered with a local medical center to provide medical professionals as guest speakers, health center tours and in-depth experiences in the medical field. With this partnership, students are exploring traditional and non-traditional medical field career paths, including a visit to a health and…

My Turn: Andrew Bramson: College legacy admissions breed inequality

Rhode Island GEAR UP Director Andrew Bramson recently shared his take on recent college admissions headlines in an opinion piece published in the Providence Journal. With the college application and financial aid season in full swing, college access for first generation students is highlighted. Visit the article to read more and check out the College Crusade of Rhode Island to learn more about GEAR UP in Rhode Island.   

'Gear Up NH' launches program to help prepare students for college, careers at younger ages

GEAR UP in New Hampshire is preparing students at Henry J. McLaughlin Middle School and at schools throughout Manchester, for college and career success by implementing various programming initiatives, including college and career planning, guest speakers, and dream walls to inspire ambition and achievement. Stephanie Lesperance, GEAR UP Director, shared her vision for New Hampshire communities, “We would…

Students at Jones Fork Elementary already 'gearing up' for college 

"So many times, there are students who are ill-prepared," says Misty Keens, GEAR UP educator. To change that, Jones Fork Elementary School in Eastern Kentucky, in partnership with GEAR UP, is engaging students in the college readiness discussion at an earlier age, to prepare them for college, financial aid, financial literacy, and career pathways. They have plans to implement STEM curriculum, college and career field trips, and…

WKCTC holds first Tech Connect Teleconference for local students 

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) recently partnered up with GEAR UP students in West Kentucky to host their first Tech Connect Teleconference. They reached over 450 students regionally, interested in information technology fields, to participate via media stations housed in middle schools, high schools, and technology centers in 10 different counties in western Kentucky. Students were able to participate and…

UMF helps GEAR UP summer students earn Early College credit

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) was recently featured for supporting GEAR UP students as they earn college credits through a GEAR UP partnership summer program. UMF President Edward Serna said, “UMF is very proud of its role as the principal partner and fiscal agent of the Maine GEAR UP program and how it enables high school students to strive higher...giving students a stimulating environment where they can earn college…

MWCC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting local Latinx leaders

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) recently hosted an event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. They invited members of the local Latinx community to share their stories and address needs of the local communities. As an active participant in this event, MWCC GEAR UP participated by having their Assistant Director, Victor Rojas, sit on the esteemed panel.