GEAR UP, Bitsource host App Inventor Camp

In a partnership with GEAR UP East Kentucky and Bitsource, students were invited to participate in an App Inventor Camp to learn the basics of building apps through various computer science and coding techniques. Students were introduced to new career opportunities in the STEM field and built apps to showcase on the last day of the program.

Aroostook County Project Studies How To Get Students To College — And Keep Them There 

GEAR UP Maine is working to address the barriers of postsecondary access in rural communities. Through a promising local study they saw an increase of students enrolling in college. However, students persisting through college still presented as a challenge for many across rural Maine. With initiatives through GEAR UP, they hope to have college representatives build rapport with students before they begin…

Goldendale students in Early Engineering program

We know that GEAR UP students are devoted to preparing for college year round, often spending the summers off school, but preparing through supplemental academic courses or college readiness initiatives. Students from rural Washington did just that earlier this summer when they spent time at the University of Washington participating in an engineering focused program. A GEAR UP parent described how this program inspired their student, “He came…

Students spend summer creating art 

GEAR UP students in the state of Washington spent part of the summer learning from world renowned artists and contributing pieces of original art to beautify their communities and schools. Students amplified their voices through murals that helped them feel more connected and develop a larger sense of belonging. One student, an incoming high school freshman, shared their perspective on how the project changed the students who participated, “It’s teaching us…

GEAR UP helps parents support teens

Weber State University in Utah recently hosted GEAR UP families at a retreat to support family engagement in the college-going process. The retreat was offered with bilingual sessions highlighting ways to navigate systems of higher education, financial aid, and student development. Families were offered opportunities to explore the college campus and participate in various arts courses too! GEAR UP Director Brandon Kaleo Flores had this to say about GEAR UP,…

To help first-generation students succeed, colleges enlist their parents

The higher education initiative, Reach Higher, launched by Michelle Obama in 2014, recently shared an article from The Hechinger Report highlighting the importance of family engagement. Chicago GEAR UP was featured for their innovative techniques in family engagement. 2019 NCCEP/GEAR UP Family Leader of the Year, Alma Vargas, shared her higher education story and how the support of GEAR UP for her students inspired her to…

2019 National Writing Project of Acadiana/GEAR UP wraps up with performances

The 2019 National Writing Project of Acadiana in collaboration with Lafayette GEAR UP recently wrapped up a convening of participants by featuring the literary work they had created during the program. Toby Daspit, co-director of the National Writing Project of Acadiana said, “It’s extremely special and celebrates the power of the written word... They have been working hard all week and writing amazing pieces and all…

GCU STEM camps balance youths’ summer equation

GEAR UP students from Arizona recently visited Grand Canyon University to explore various STEM career opportunities. They participated in activities such as examining the relationship of various science elements and color within wavelengths, what goes into 3D printing, and neurons' relationships with the brain.

GEAR UP continues successful summer program at Black Hills State 

Close to 90 students in Spearfish, South Dakota spent June participating in a rigorous summer program to prepare for higher education opportunities as a part of the South Dakota GEAR UP program. Students participated in literacy, math, technology, science, American Indian Studies, and college preparation courses. At the completion of the program, the students had an opportunity to participate in a supplementary leadership…