GEAR UP program prepares students for college from a young age

Norristown Area School District was recently featured for the success of their grant. The impact of the grant can be seen throughout the community, providing students with the opportunity to learn at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, creating innovative partnerships with community organizations, and incorporating professional development initiatives with local educators, in addition to many more successful college and career…

Wilson Creek students face another kind of March Madness

Educators, families, and students alike have been left facing unprecedented change, as schools across the country began closing their doors in response to COVID-19. GEAR UP students in Wilson Creek, Washington, in previous years aligned their college and career exploration activities with the NCAA March Madness tournament, and are now spending their time reflecting on previous years, rather than participating again this year. Wilson Creek…

GEAR UP helps put students on career path

Grand Island Public Schools GEAR UP was recently featured for their innovative career exploration initiatives. Family, College and Career Specialist Asia Berg said, "Saying 'what do you want to be' is such a broad range. I try to figure what they truly do for fun and try to figure out how we can make that a career." Middle school students and families attended various educational workshops provided by GEAR UP.

GEAR UP program provides free college services for underserved schools

Washington State University Tri-City was recently featured for how they are addressing educational disparities in their communities through GEAR UP. The local NBC affiliate shared a statistic that GEAR UP professionals are very familiar with, “According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 54 percent of students from lower-income schools entered college compared to 69 percent of higher-income students.” GEAR UP…

What's Working: Applying a cast to a teddy bear produces career awareness for students

GEAR UP students in New Hampshire had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in health care related fields last month. Students utilized time during their school vacation to visit Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester and explore careers in the health care field. One student, who has been interested in health care since a young age had this to say about their future, “I think after this field trip, I’ll actually…

News release: Mentored students on a path to succeed with West Virginia GEAR UP’s Student Success Society initiative

Straw poll, 'mockus' engage students in political process 

Students at Ottumwa High School, a GEAR UP Iowa community, participated in a straw poll government class lesson sponsored by the Iowa Secretary of State's office earlier this month. Students had the opportunity to poll and caucus for their chosen candidates, candidates chosen from the popular Marvel superhero comics. Barb Hanson, of GEAR UP Iowa, shared, “Hopefully, when they’re old enough to vote, they will feel confident participating…

GEAR UP for tomorrow’s workforce

Steve Beauclair, GEAR UP Director at Grand Rapids Community College, recently authored an opinion article highlighting the importance of career exploration and readiness, and how engaging the community can support these efforts. He urges community organizations to support programs like GEAR UP to help build a skilled labor force, “By making your workplace an extension of the classroom and hosting tours, job shadowing and internships, you energize your staff,…

Hillside students transform cafeteria into ‘MLK Olympic Village’ rec center

New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance along with students and educators in Manchester, New Hampshire recently came together for a service project to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in their community. Students led a project to design and uplift a recreational space within their school. This space provides opportunities for students and educators alike to come together and build connections outside of the classroom.…