GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a grant funded by the United States Department of Education. The program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP offers a variety of services and early intervention programs to help make college possible for everyone. GEAR UP not only helps students, but also has programs for parents, teachers and schools, ensuring success for all. Gear Up provides services to students in underserved, low-income communities to ensure they develop the academic and personal skills needed for postsecondary success. Partnership among PCCUA and eight school districts include:
- Barton
- Clarendon
- DeWitt
- Dumas
- Helena-West Helena
- KIPP Delta
- Lakeside (Lake Village)
- Lee County
- Marvell-Elaine
- Stuttgart
- other community partners
Services include activities that promote:
- Increased academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education;
- Increased high school graduation and participation in post-secondary education;
- Increased student and family knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation and financing;
- Increased post-secondary success; and
- Professional development for teachers.
- After School Tutoring
- After School Academics
- College to Career Information
- Standardized Test Advisement/Preparation
- Academic Workshops
- College Field Trips
- Academic Goals
- Career Planning
What does GEAR UP do for Parents?
- Increase involvement of GEAR UP parents with the secondary educational system.
- Increases parents' understanding of their rights and responsiblities within the educational system.
- Increases parental involvement to enhance the academic achievement and performance of all students.
- Increases parents' knowledge of higher education options and resources for paying for college.
- Familiarizes parents with all phases of the college preparation process.
- Connect parents with resources that can assist them with overcoming nonacademic barriers to eduational advancement.
When PARENTS get involved, students:
- Make better grades, test scores are higher
- Better school attendance
- Have a higher self-esteem
- Fewer discipline problems
- Higher graduation rate
To get involved contact:
Faye Coleman
(870) 338-6474 Ext. 1377Professional Development:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Conferences
Parents Workshops:
- Financial Aid
- College Admission
- College Visits
