Summer Geek Squad Academy Camp Prepares Students of Today for Jobs of Tomorrow

Earlier this summer, students from DeSoto Independent School District GEAR UP in Texas, participated in a computer technology focused camp. According to the article, “...more than 80% of jobs will require tech skills by next year, but not all students have equal access to technology.” DeSoto ISD GEAR UP was able to provide critical access to learning technologies that enabled students to learn more about computer…

HS students getting early look at college life at GEAR UP U academy

West Virginia GEAR UP recently wrapped up a week long summer program, providing students across the state an opportunity to experience college life. Not only did students participate in courses that provided glimpses into future careers, but they were assigned college mentors to provide them with insight into the college experience. GEAR UP Camp Director JR Luyster shared, “I have hired camp counselors, who are current college…

Hartshorne GEAR UP students tour Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium 

Students from Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP visited the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium. Students were able to learn more about the Orion Nebula and a Grumman F-14A Tomcat, along with many other interstellar and aerospace facts. GEAR UP Education Coordinator Stephanie Dow had this to say about the experience, “Students are able to broaden their knowledge of career paths and interest in STEM-related…

Wilburton students tour the Tulsa Zoo

Like many GEAR UP programs across the country, Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP has spent the past few weeks touring various education and career focused sites in their communities. Students began a summer full of activities by visiting the Tulsa Zoo to learn more about animals around the world and their various environmental adaptations. After learning about many of these animals in their science classes this year, students were eager to apply their…

Grand Island Public Schools, GEAR UP to offer summer programming to middle-schoolers 

This summer Grand Island Public Schools GEAR UP students have the opportunity to receive academic support, participate in career exploration activities, attend STEM related field trips, and more. One of their first field trips was to CHI Health St. Francis and GIX Logistics to learn more about what it takes to be a part of the health industry. Mary Berlie, a GEAR UP partner with the Grand Island Economic…

ACT testing rates spike in GEAR UP Iowa Districts

After GEAR UP Iowa implemented district wide ACT testing, many schools saw a significant increase in the amount of students taking the ACT. Without GEAR UP Iowa implementing this initiative, many students would not have the resources or access to take the ACT. Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid said, “District testing eliminates the time and cost barriers for students by making it part of the school day and ensures the greatest…

Sager 8th-grader wins regional showcase

After attending a career exploration event at Walla Walla Community College, Washington State University (WSU) GEAR UP students were tasked with developing career exploration projects in their middle school English classes. Thirteen students from across the region were then selected to represent their schools in a career showcase event. GEAR UP student Tiana Tran won the regional competition presenting on her dream to become a family physician. According…

Princeton, Here I come

Arleth, a student from GEAR UP at the University of Wyoming, was recently featured for gaining acceptance into the Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) program to be held this summer at Princeton University. As a part of the program, she will tour Ivy league schools and prepare for college admissions tests and applications. Arleth is eager to participate in LEDA and envisions the great impact it will have on her future. 

Cornyn visits Lufkin High School to discuss Gear Up Program

Senator John Cornyn of Texas took time last week to visit with GEAR UP students in Lufkin Independent School District. Students shared their experiences and how GEAR UP supported them in their educational journey. Senator Cornyn voiced his support of GEAR UP saying, “I’ve become a real fan of your program the more I learn about it because it just makes sense”.