2030 Gear Up Program Coming up for 7th Grade Students

Updated: January 4, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

There will be an important parents’ meeting regarding the Gear Up program for students in the 7th grade at W.B. Green Jr. High. This program is designed to support and enhance the educational experiences of students as they prepare for their future academic journeys. To participate and fully benefit from the resources and opportunities provided by Gear Up, it is essential for parents and guardians to complete and sign the Gear Up participation form (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).

The Gear Up program is open to all students in the 7th grade at W.B. Green Jr. High, specifically those who are part of the class of 2030. This initiative aims to foster early awareness and readiness for college education, equipping students with the tools they need for future success.

Participants in the Gear Up program will have access to a wide range of valuable opportunities, including informative presentations on various topics relating to academic success and college preparation, personalized tutoring programs to enhance learning in challenging subjects, mentoring from experienced educators and college students, as well as field trips to colleges and universities to give students firsthand experience of campus life. Additionally, the program encourages parent engagement, helping families become more involved in the educational process.

To ensure that all parents are informed, two meetings have been scheduled: the first on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., and the second on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Both meetings will take place in the W.B. Green Jr. High Library. Parents are invited to attend either of the two meetings, but only one meeting is necessary to gain complete information about the program.

The Gear Up initiative is a comprehensive, seven-year federal program aimed specifically at increasing early college readiness, awareness, and success for low-income students and those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. By following these students from the 7th grade through their post-secondary education, Gear Up provides continuous support and resources tailored to their needs.

Evidence from national studies indicates that students who participate in the Gear Up program achieve significant academic gains, irrespective of their ethnicity or economic background. Furthermore, participating students have shown a higher likelihood of attending college compared to their peers who do not engage in Gear Up. This data highlights the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for successful educational outcomes.
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