The GEAR Up program is still an important college preparation program.  There are still millions of students who will be the first person in their family to attend college.

Springfield, Pa . - Several years ago, I had the privilege of serving as a University partner on one of the first GEAR UP grants issued by the United States Department of Education.  I worked at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa.  The grant provided Drexel University with an opportunity to reach students who had never visited a college campus.  In fact most of the student s who attended our program initially felt that they would not attend college after graduating from high school.  At the end of our six week program all of the students said that they want to attend college.  It was clear to me that many of these students where the first persons in their family to explore the idea of going to college.  We tried to make it real clear that there is a college opportunity for any student who can maintain good grades.

Parents understand that a program like GEAR UP is a vital resource for their children.  GEAR UP exposes the students to college admissions officers who work at colleges all over the country.  It’s great that most GEAR Up programs start in the 6^th grade.  This is important because many middle school students get disillusioned about college and start to perform poorly in school.  The GEAR UP program provides the hope that a student may not get form their school.  Since GEAR UP follows the students through twelfth grade the staff gets to know the students very well.  There are many challenges that each students faces as they consider college.  Especially when they are the first person in their family to decide which type of college might fit their academic preparation.

GEAR UP is the type of program that is beneficial because it occurs throughout the year.  Students need someone to monitor their progress to keep them on the right track.  The summer program that my Gear Up program offered to students taught them about the value of engineering.  We spent several weeks strengthening the student’s math and science skills.  They went back to their middle schools feeling a greater level of confidence about their ability to tackle higher levels of mathematics..  I think the school districts should implement these programs for all students.   It is clear to me that students can sensed when their teachers and counselors are really concerned about them.  Dr. Stephen Jones is a nationally recognized educator and author of the “Seven Secrets of How to Study” and the “Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide.  You can contact him at 866-544-5490 or stephenjoness@rcn.com and visit www.sevenbooks.net.