GEAR UP
Goals
- Provide early awareness activities, academic support, and information to low-income students and their parents to encourage more young people to pursue postsecondary educational opportunities.
- Provide comprehensive services and resources that will improve students' academic performance and college enrollment rates at schools targeted for assistance.
- Provide ongoing staff training and professional development opportunities to help teachers raise expectations for all students.
- Establish strong partnerships that involve a long-term commitment and a meaningful role for each partner in improving students' preparation for college.
Who we serve
- 1,832 students served through a caseload and cohort (whole class) approach at 53 Vermont schools.
- Students and schools must meet federal income requirements to be served by GEAR UP.
- At most schools, students are nominated by school personnel based on their potential to succeed in postsecondary education and income eligibility.
- At cohort schools, the whole class is served through a variety of activities.
- Students receive services each year throughout middle and high school.
Services for students
- Early awareness activities and information.
- Assistance with academic preparation, including high school course planning.
- Career and postsecondary exploration and planning.
- Opportunities to participate in field trips, career fairs, campus activities, summer programs, community service, and cultural activities.
- Mentoring and tutoring.
- Renewable scholarships.
Services for parents
- Ongoing information and support and strategies aimed to increase parent involvement in preparing students for college.
- Opportunities to participate in GEAR UP events.
- Assistance with college and financial aid planning and the application process.
Services for schools
- Resources and support to enhance academic and career development opportunities
- Services directly related to individual school action plans
- Tutoring and after school initiatives
- Curriculum and teaching materials
- Professional development opportunities for teachers and staff
Results
- 98.1% of GEAR UP 2008 seniors graduated from high school
- 83% of GEAR UP 2008 graduates were enrolled in post-secondary programs in the fall of 2008
VSAC Mentoring Manual
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