GEAR UP Partnership Paves Pathways To College

An education partnership that helps low-income elementary and middle-school age students "GEAR UP" for college will now reach 1,200 students in 17 Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), after it was awarded a five-year grant through the U.S. Department of Education's GEAR UP initiative.

GEAR UP, short for "Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs," provides services and activities to get youths who may never have considered the possibility of college to realize it is within their reach. The program also focuses on student progress before they reach high school, building on their academic achievement.

Six educational and community partners are part of this GEAR UP partnership, which has received $960,000 -- 40 percent of the initiative's first-year funding from GEAR UP. The remaining 60 percent or $1,439,559 of the first-year funding will come from the partners: CPS, the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State and the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. Future funding is to be determined, but will continue at this level or higher through the 2006-2007 academic year.

Partners and their involvement:

University of Cincinnati -- "One of the most important contributions this university can make to this city is the creation of pathways to higher education for the city's children," says Lawrence J. Johnson, dean of the UC College of Education. The UC College of Education will be increasing its community outreach efforts, providing mentoring and tutoring to children in fifth through eighth grades. The college will also collaborate with CPS on professional development programs for teachers. Furthermore, the College of Education and University College will develop and host summer institutes for GEAR UP students, to give them an early look at academics on a college campus.

 Cincinnati Public Schools -- In addition to the GEAR UP students in 17 schools, the new grant will provide for academic advisors at CPS to assist students as they consider which college or university to attend. "Guidance in the college selection process is especially important for students who are trying to become the first generation in their families to realize their dreams of higher education," says Kevin Corrigan, CPS director of development. "The expanded grant will provide this needed support."

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College -- Cincinnati State will be coordinating summer academic bridge programs, college visits, math and science camps, and theater camps. Cincinnati State will also provide professional development for teachers and workshops for parents to assist them in planning for their child's college education. "Cincinnati State is excited about expanding the program to serve more at-risk students. We especially enjoy the Summer of Science program, where fifth and sixth graders get hands-on training in the areas of science and technology. Early exposure to technology and careers in technology helps young people expand their options and opportunities," says Bari Ewing, director of Student Support Services.

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative -- The CYC will provide academic support programs including after school and summer programs, as well as youth mentors. The CYC will co-supervise the school based GEAR UP case managers who maintain direct contact with GEAR UP students. "The Cincinnati Youth Collaborative is thrilled to be a part of the GEAR UP partnership," says James R. Cullen, CYC interim director. "It is imperative now, more than ever, that all of our students realize that post-secondary education is a reality and a necessity. The GEAR UP case managers provide a constant support that will help students develop the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals."

 Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities -- The consortium was formed in 1974 to promote cooperation and collaboration among its 15 member colleges and universities in Greater Cincinnati. The GCCCU will work with GEAR UP staff to assist students with selecting the college or university that fits the student's needs.

 Cincinnati Parents for Public Schools -- Executive Director Carolyn N. Turner says "CPPS will assist GEAR UP in promoting and encouraging parents to become involved in their children's schools and to encourage their children to pursue academic excellence, so that they have concrete choices beyond high school."

 An earlier $1.8 million, five-year GEAR UP award involving many of the above institutions targeted Burton and Parham elementary schools and more than 300 students. That partnership was among the very first collaborations nationally to receive GEAR UP funding when the program was first launched in 1999. Both of those schools will be included in the new GEAR UP partnership that will reach an additional 15 schools.