| DC GEAR UP - Frequently Asked Questions
 
What does GEAR UP stand for?
GEAR UP – Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate programs
Awareness is a major component of GEAR UP and includes but is not limited to: exposure to postsecondary institutions, parental/community involvement, career options requiring a college degree, information about financial aid and/or grants, counseling, mentoring and other support services. Readiness is the academic preparation necessary to gain admittance to college. It includes increased proficiency in reading, mathematics (particularly algebra), and foreign language.
How and why was GEAR UP created?
In the fall of 2002, the US Department of Education awarded the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) a $4.6 million-five year discretionary grant to begin a DC GEAR UP program for the District of Columbia. Designed to increase the number of students from underserved (low-income) communities who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education, the grant offers services to both middle and high school students. DC GEAR UP serves an entire cohort of students beginning in the seventh grade and follows them through high school. Funds from the grant are also used to provide college scholarships to its participants.
What is the purpose of GEAR UP?
DC GEAR UP is unique from other initiatives. This program encourages partnerships committed to serving and accelerating the academic achievement of a cohort of students through their high school graduation. DC GEAR UP partnerships supplement existing reform efforts. The program offers services that promote academic preparation and the understanding of necessary costs to attend college. DC GEAR UP is comprised of five components: academic enrichment, parental involvement, college awareness, mentoring & tutoring, and financial aid.
Who does DC GEAR UP serve?
Free to all participants, DC GEAR UP works directly with DC Public School (DCPS) and DC Public Charter School (DCPCS) administration and students, student’s families, teachers and principals, providing the support and services needed. Students must qualify for services provided through (HEA) Title 1 and reside in the District of Columbia. The current co-hort is closed for enrollment.
What type of programs/services does GEAR UP provide/offer?
DC GEAR UP is designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. The ultimate objective, and the measure of success of the program, is to increase the number of D.C. Public High School graduates who continue their education and training in an institution of higher education. Tutors are available during the school year to enhance student’s academic achievement. Mentors are recruited to help advise and support DC GEAR UP students in their social and emotional development. Enrichment courses, career interest workshops, and campus visits are scheduled to raise college awareness, an integral part of the program. DC GEAR UP students are also invited to participate in a number of after-school activities, field trips to cultural sites, recreational and leadership development activities. The program works closely with parents as well. Individual and group parent meetings are conducted to help them learn how they can support their children academically and prepare the student for higher education.
DC GEAR UP is lead by program coordinators whose primary responsibility is to facilitate implementation at the program levels. The program coordinators provide counseling, mentoring, assistance with securing summer jobs, tutoring, and other support services that enable the students to perform well in school. Program coordinators, university, governmental, and community partners will provide early college awareness services and ensure that the students begin their academic preparation for their post-secondary endeavors.
Each DC GEAR UP school/coordinator is partnered with a local college/university. They include: Georgetown University, Howard University, Southeastern University, Trinity College, and the University of the District of Columbia. The college and university partners provide a range of activities and programs for our students and their families such as sponsoring campus visits where they can learn about the requirements of college admissions, the admissions process, financial assistance and college costs, and sponsor summer institutes for DC GEAR UP students. Through summer institutes developed and implemented through the University Partners, DC GEAR UP students have been academically and culturally enriched though courses, lectures, field demonstrations and trips. Topics include: Physiology and Anatomy, English, Algebra, Environmental Science, Business and Entrepreneurship, Spanish, and Voice Training/Dance Movement.
Is DC GEAR UP in every school? If not, which schools?
For the 2006-07 school year, DC GEAR UP will be located primarily at 27 DC Public High Schools and Public Charter High Schools . The original cohort selection included:
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7 th grade cohort from Ronald H. Brown Middle School
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8 th grade cohort from J.H. Johnson Junior High School
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8 th grade cohort from MacFarland Middle School
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8 th grade cohort from Paul Public Charter School
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8 th grade cohort from Terrell Junior High School
As each cohort of DC GEAR UP students is promoted into the next grade level (currently 10th and 11 th grade), program coordinators move with their respective students in order to provide support and services for each student, ensuring them academic success.
Are additional scholarship opportunities available to GEAR UP students?
DC GEAR UP students who complete high school and pursue postsecondary credentials may be eligible for a DC GEAR UP scholarship.
If I move out of Washington , DC, can I still be a DC GEAR UP student?
DC GEAR UP services students who are residents of the District of Columbia. However, check with the school you will be attending to see if there is a GEAR UP program implemented for that specific state.
If I go to another DCPS, private or charter school can I still be part of DC GEAR UP?
Yes, you may still be a part of DC GEAR UP if you transfer to another public, private, or charter school in DC.
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