FWPS GEAR UP Program Graduates First Cohort of Students
A program implemented at Totem Middle School at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year has reached fruition at Thomas Jefferson High School this spring, as 53 students participated in the GEAR UP graduation celebration. There was much to celebrate – each and every student will start either a 2 or 4-year college with at least $6,000 in scholarship funding and much more.
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, and is designed to provide support to students from 7th grade through high school graduation. The program encourages low-income students to stay in school, study hard, have high expectations, and go to college.
Totem Middle School was awarded a $150,000 grant in the spring of 2006 to establish a GEAR UP Scholars Project. Around 100 students joined the Totem GEAR UP program in the summer before their 8th grade year, and participated in activities throughout the year. When they moved on to Thomas Jefferson High School the following fall, the program went with them, in the form of Gary Alexander, their mentor, coach and role model.
Alexander notes that students and their parents often have the dream of college. For many low-income families, what’s missing is a plan to make it a reality. GEAR UP is designed to help fill in the missing pieces of what it takes to fulfill the dream of going to college.
The program works with students and has a strong parent participation component. It emphasizes the importance of taking challenging classes, like higher-level math, why and when they should take the SATs, how and when to apply to colleges -- not to mention where to find money for college.
This year’s graduating GEAR UP students participated in ongoing academic planning, counseling, and assessment as well as tutoring and mentoring. They went on job shadows and college field trips. Every summer students in the program spent five days at the University of Washington to help them become familiar with and comfortable in the college environment.
Financing college is a major concern for students and parents alike. The program works with each student by assisting them through the (FAFSA) financial-aid process. The state starts the ball rolling by providing a $6,000 scholarship to students who participate in the program, graduate on time and maintained at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
“We will give support, tutors, a mentor and structure,” Alexander noted. “But in the end, the students are themselves accountable for their success.” Guest keynote speaker Reverend Cecilia Clemons gave credit to the students, saying, “Other people will be supportive of your goals if you show commitment to them. You made the choices to do what you had to do in order to do something great. As we let our own light shine, we give others permission to do the same.”
Jordan Williams, a GEAR UP graduate testified to the effectiveness of the program, saying, “College was always my plan, but I never realized how hard it was to put the plan into action. GEAR UP was always there and I’m proud to say – mission accomplished.”
Posted: June 16, 2011