1380 Lawrence St. . Suite 1200 . Denver, CO . 80204
Tel: (303) 866-2723 . Fax: (303) 866-4266

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What is Colorado GEAR UP?

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GEAR UP stands for...
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

GEAR UP is a national, statewide pre-collegiate service program that supports and encourages low-income, first generation students in need of academic support to successfully prepare for high school graduation and college. Students who begin preparing for life after high school at an early age, and with the support of their family and friends, are better prepared to succeed in college and/or their future careers.

The Four Key Elements of GEAR UP programs are:

The relationship between the coordinator and the student/parent/family.
Personal responsibility-taking by the student to fulfill the requirements of his/her contract
Alignment of quality GEAR UP programs with the academic strategies of the host districts, schools and partner colleges
Co-operation with other College Prep programs

Mission of GEAR UP

Colorado GEAR UP's mission is to help prepare all students to meet the high expectations for graduation and college admission, thus helping to level the playing field for low-income students and families. The majority of GEAR UP students are from families in which no one has ever attended college, therefore referred to as first generation students. GEAR UP provides students and families with the information, resources and academic support necessary to finish high school and gain admission to college.

Program Goals

To identify and engage low-income and/or first generation college students who are performing below grade level in Math or English and bring them to grade level expectations.
To provide 7th through 12th grade students an organized path to college readiness
To engage parents in the support of their students' academic success and college aspirations
To offer scholarships to eligible students successfully completing the program
To assist schools and colleges in the recruitment and preparation of first-generation college entrants.

In order to meet the goals described above, Colorado GEAR UP provides support in a number of areas.

Academic Enrichment to assist students in meeting grade level expectations.
Skills Acquisition in study methods, test preparation, career exploration, college applications and obtaining financial aid for students and families.
Capacity-Building in life-skills and knowledge in preparation for college and careers.
Cultural Enrichment and Community Awareness & Engagement as a means towards developing personal responsibility and leadership qualities.

Program Eligibility

To participate in GEAR UP, you must:

Regularly attend a GEAR UP school
Qualify for free or reduced lunch
Qualify for academic enrichment
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Sign a GEAR UP performance contract
Complete the necessary academic requirements
Take challenging college prep classes
Regularly attend and participate in GEAR UP activities

GEAR UP Services

Academic counseling	Career exploration	College preparation
Tutoring	Character building	Financial aid tutorials
Mentoring	Field trips	Parental workshops
Test preparation	Campus visits	…and more…

Colorado GEAR UP Schools

Colorado GEAR UP will serve some 6,000 GEAR UP Scholars at 10 sites in 8 school districts statewide:

Alamosa Ortega Middle School Alamosa High School	Grand Junction Grand Mesa Middle School Central High School
Aurora West Middle School Aurora Central High School	Greeley Franklin Middle School Central High School Northridge High School
Colorado Springs East Middle School Wasson High School	Lamar Lamar Middle School Lamar High School
Denver Kunsmiller Middle School Abraham Lincoln High School Martin Luther King Jr. Early College Montbello High School Skinner Middle School North High School	Pueblo Risley Middle School East High School

Coordinator's Corner

Colorado GEAR UP Coordinators work with and support principals, teachers, counselors, parents, families and students in setting goals, monitoring student progress and sponsoring college prep programs for qualifying students.

Tanesha

Tanesha Bell

Site Coordinator
Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
Office: Room 200a

Monday - Thursday, 8am - 4pm
Friday by appointment only

Direct: 720.424.0450
Fax: 720.424.0496

Email: northeast_gearup_denver@yahoo.com

Program Resources

Colorado GEAR UP receives $3.5 million each year from the U.S. Department of Education, of which 50% will be placed in a college scholarship fund. The first new GEAR UP cohort will graduate from High School in 2011. The operating budget covers a statewide team of Regional and Site Coordinators and on-site programs.

GEAR UP partners include Aims Community College, Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, Colorado Mountain College, statewide Schools of Education from CU, UNC and CSU to Adams and Mesa State Colleges, the Workforce Development Council, the Daniels Fund and the Fund for Colorado's Future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is GEAR UP?

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a program that promotes success as a student. It starts in the 7th grade and follows through to the 12th grade year, preparing students to be successful and ready for college.

What does GEAR UP do?

GEAR UP motivates and supports students academically, but only if they want to. GEAR UP offers academic enrichment, mentoring, college awareness, and career exploration activities for students and families.

Why sign up for GEAR UP?

If all requirements are met by high school graduation, GEAR UP offers participants a scholarship to help pay for college.

Who can sign up for GEAR UP?

Any student who qualifies for free or reduced lunch, attends a GEAR UP school and is committed to challenge him/herself can sign up.

What if I transfer to another school?

We recommend students to remain at their GEAR UP school for the duration of the program; however, if the situation occurs, students and their parents are responsible for keeping in contact with their site coordinator for updates and announcements.

Do I have to pay any money to be in GEAR UP?

No, GEAR UP is a federally funded program and requires no fee. Majority of the activities scheduled are free of charge unless stated otherwise (i.e. lunch money or field trip souvenirs).

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