GEAR UP

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is a national initiative that seeks to increase the number of students in specific target populations who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The program is funded through competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Pennsylvania Academy for the Profession of Teaching and Learning received its five-year GEAR UP grant in 2002 to provide supportive services and programs to nearly 14,000 Harrisburg and Philadelphia school district students, beginning with cohorts of seventh grade students in 2002, and adding new cohorts of seventh grade students for each year of the grant.

Goals

The goals of the PA State GEAR UP Project are to raise the level of student academic performance and increase the number of students who pursue postsecondary educational opportunities.

Projected Outcomes

• Improved student performance in the Harrisburg School District and the School District of Philadelphia
• Increased educational expectations for participating students and student and family knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing
• Increased graduation rate of Harrisburg School District and the School District of Philadelphia students
• Increased number of students who pursue and succeed in postsecondary education
• Scholarships awarded to eligible students in the Harrisburg School District and the School District of Philadelphia
• Increased numbers in the teacher pool in urban schools
• Teachers prepared through professional development to better meet the needs of students

Partners

• PA State System of Higher Education/PA Academy for the Profession of Teaching and Learning
• Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Harrisburg School District and School District of Philadelphia
• Five State System universities: Cheyney, East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Shippensburg and West Chester

Implementation Strategies

Early Intervention Services to include the following:

• Needs assessment of school district students
• Educational action plans for all GEAR UP students
• Academic monitoring and evaluation
• Career exploration
• Academic and cultural experiences on university campuses
• Tutoring and study skills enhancement
• Mentoring from university and community volunteers

Professional development designed to address needs of district educators and staff including some or all of the following areas:

• University courses and workshops
• Teacher certification
• Subject area certification
• Pedagogy
• Advanced degree
• Specific district programs
• In-service programs
• Governor's Urban Academy
• Online courses

Preservice teacher education programs will include the following:

• Urban field experiences for university students
• Opportunities for mentoring and tutoring Harrisburg and Philadelphia students

Scholarship

Scholarship program will offer last dollar scholarships to eligible students for postsecondary education as well as Board of Governor's scholarships. View Scholarship program details.

Contact Information

Dr. Robert E. Feir
PA State GEARUP Project Director
PA Academy for the Profession of Teaching and Learning
PA State System of Higher Education
2986 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 720-4049
(717) 720-4447 Fax 

Patricia Garcia 
PA State GEAR UP Project Coordinator
PA Academy for the Profession of Teaching and Learning
2986 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 720-4047
(717) 720-4447 Fax 

Website Address

For current events, news and activities visit the PA GEAR UP website.