STEM COACHING PROGRAM STIMULATES STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

STEM educators from GEAR UP 4 LA schools participated in an interactive professional development in which they learned how to integrate new technology into their lessons to enhance student learning and support their dynamic learning environments. Participants explored ways to use TI-Nspire graphic calculators to engage students and deepen their understanding of abstract concepts in math and science. "This was the first day some of these very…

Will making the FAFSA more ‘fun’ help get Pell grants into students’ pockets?

The Hechinger Report, a national education news source, recently reported on a unique FAFSA initiative being led by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, a GEAR UP partner. According to the article, “Louisiana was the first state to make filling out the FAFSA a high school graduation requirement, in the 2017-2018 academic year, and several states have followed with similar policies since then.” Since…

Empowering Student Voice with Rep. Jimmy Gomez

Several current and former GEAR UP 4 LA students recently gathered to share their #GEARUPworks stories during a roundtable with California Congressman Jimmy Gomez, a long-time supporter of GEAR UP who represents several GEAR UP 4 LA schools in Congressional District 34. "There's always this pressure that you don't come from money, the right background, upbringing, whatever it is," Gomez said. "All you need to do is believe and then work at…

GEAR UP students participate in the "Your Voice is Power" workshop at Georgia Tech

Earlier this winter, GEAR UP Dougherty students participated in the "Your Voice is Power" workshop hosted by the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Science (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech. A partnership between Amazon, Pharrell Williams, and Georgia Tech, this program encourages students to explore how computer science, music, and entrepreneurship can advance equity. The students used Georgia…

College Visits Inspire Students to See Their Future

High school juniors and seniors in the USU STARS! GEAR UP program spent fall break planning for their future. Students participated in college bus tours where they got to see libraries, lecture halls, dorms, food courts, and recreation centers at local college campuses in Utah and Idaho.

AIS joins GEAR UP Kentucky

GEAR UP Kentucky, administered by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, recently welcomed a new school district to their grant program. Augusta Independent School District joins Bath County, Bourbon County, Covington Independent, Fleming County, Frankfort Independent, Marion County, Mason County, Mercer County, Paris Independent, Pendleton County and Robertson County in participating in the GEAR UP Kentucky program.   

Summit Prepares Families with College Knowledge Skills

In November GEAR UP 4 LA held its first hybrid Parent Summit. Families gathered virtually and in-person to learn strategies on how to continue supporting their student's postsecondary journey and lifelong success. Themed "Building Powerful Futures: Strong Together!" the Parent Summit provided close to 50 families the chance to participate in sessions on financial aid, dual enrollment opportunities for their students, and family and…

College Field Trips Make a Comeback At GU4LA

For the first time since March 2020 when the pandemic brought to a halt in-person activities, GEAR UP 4 LA students are taking tours of local colleges and universities and discovering the academic and career opportunities available in their own backyard. In November, ninth- and tenth-grade students across GU4LA schools began visiting local community colleges and four-year universities to explore academic departments, career pathways, and campus…

SciTEC, LAGEARUP partner with Monroe City Schools on cyber camp

Students from Monroe City Schools visited the Science and Technology Education Center at Louisiana Tech University to participate in a hypothetical national security break scenario. Students were put into groups of three and were briefed on the geography of where a hypothetical security breach happened and the history surrounding the area, but they were not told the cause of the problem. At the end of the camp, the students…