Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs – GEAR UP – is a federally funded program designed to better prepare middle and high school students for college through academic preparation programs and scholarships for students, professional development activities for educators, and college access information for students and parents.
This national initiative began in 1998 to encourage more American youth to have high expectations, stay in school, study hard and take the right courses to prepare for college.
For many children, the likelihood of attending and succeeding in college is small. Too many students face seemingly insurmountable barriers, including low expectations, inadequate academic preparation and a lack of information about education options and opportunities. Since 2005 Diaz Jr. High GEAR UP has targeted resources and services to priority students through partnerships with Rio Grande Valley colleges and universities, community-based organizations and businesses for higher education.
Over the next few years, Diaz Jr. High GEAR UP will continue to provide resources to our students and provide comprehensive professional development services to Diaz Jr. High teachers, counselors and administrators. Additionally, GEAR UP will continue to reach hundreds of Diaz Jr. High students through targeted efforts designed to better inform and prepare our students for college.
