Get Ahead, Get Started
If you are a student, parent, guardian or educator, you can increase college and career readiness with GEAR UP CT, a federally-funded grant program that helps empower local communities to inspire students to think beyond what they see today.
GEAR UP CT provides the tools, resources and programs to help low-income students starting as early as 7th grade in East Hartford, Meriden and Waterbury increase their success in education.
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STUDENTS & PARENTSWhat is GEAR UP CT?
“The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)" initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness of low-income students in communities nationwide. GEAR UP is a highly competitive grant program that helps empower local partnerships comprised of K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, state agencies, and community organizations to achieve three strategic goals.
These goals are:
- Increase postsecondary expectations and readiness of students.
- Improve high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.
- Increase student and family knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financial aid.
Services include but not limited to:
- Tutoring / Mentoring
- College Awareness / Virtual Tours
- Testing Preparation
- Summer Programming
- Career Planning / Workshops
- College Planning
- Financial Aid Workshops
GEAR UP builds capacity within communities to ensure that underserved students have the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to successfully pursue the education and training that will enable them to achieve their career and life goals. Our committed GEAR UP teams along with partner colleges and school districts will work towards a future where all students are empowered and equipped with the education and training needed to succeed in a diverse and global society.
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GEAR UP CT PSAT Bootcamp!
East Hartford GEAR UP is planning the following events for students, parents and the community where noted.
- 5/11 – EHHS: College & Career workshop (career panel w/ EH Alumni Assoc./Ed. Foundation)
- 5/19 – CIBA: College & Career Workshop
- 5/19 – EHHS: Career Expo
- 5/20 – EHHS w/RISE: Academic workshop and celebration of goal completion for 9th graders (trip planned to Hartford Yard Goats’ Dunkin Donuts Park)
March 4, 2022
Meriden GEAR UP is planning the following events for students, parents and the community where noted.
- 5/10 – Platt HS: "May Meditations" drop in during lunch waves from 10:30-Noon
- 5/11 – Maloney HS: "May Meditations drop in during lunch waves from 10:30-Noon
- 5/24 – Maloney HS: After-School “SMART Goals & Self-Care” from 2-3pm
- 5/25 – Platt HS: “Kindness Rocks” After-School from 2-3pm
- 6/8 – Platt & Maloney HS: “Smart Cookies” – 1st period of school day in the 9th Grade wings
- 7/6-8/8 – Platt HS: Early College Experience Summer Programming - Registration Required. Contact your local GU Site Coordinator.
March 4, 2022
Waterbury GEAR UP is planning the following events for students, parents and the community where noted.
- 5/11 – Wilby HS: College Tour @ UConn Waterbury Campus (registration required – see your GU Site Coordinator)
- 5/18 – District Wide: Grade 10 Transition Workshop
- 5/25 - Wilby HS: College Tour @ UConn Waterbury Campus (registration required – see your GU Site Coordinator)
- 5/31 - Croby HS: Biology/Zoology Career Exploration Professional Presentation
- 6/4 - Family College Visit – CCSU (registration required – see your local GU Site Coordinator)
- 6/27-30 – GU Summer Program “Introduction to Manufacturing” (registration required)
