GEAR UP Waterbury hosted a variety of workshops and presentations during National STEM week in November. This was a great opportunity for students to have hands on experience conducting various experiments throughout the week. Students also participated in group discussions around college and career pathways as related to those experiments.

Photos from the  STEM projects used at Kennedy High School with Flinn fingerprinting kit that teaches students how to identify and classify fingerprints as related to the science of forensics and solving crimes.  Students classified their own fingerprints and were able to solve identification of criminals.  Staff also conducted a presentation of the many different careers in criminal justice and forensics using modern technology.

Kennedy High School's newspaper, the EAGLE FLYER, interviewed and published an article showcasing GEAR UP in their school and including 9th grade student's testimonials regarding their experiences with GEAR UP. Submission attached with three statements from students that was used in the article, these submissions were also shared with the Board of Education during the presentation last month.

GU staff continue to support the cohort of 9th graders with guidance staff to help administering lessons to  support students with goal setting, Naviance support and academic skills.

GEAR UP staff are working with State Street and Enlightenment schools to provide tutoring and supporting students with  SEL /academics/career counseling and goal setting activities.

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East Hartford GU has been busy in creating community awareness for students in collaboration with The Dream Support Network and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.  Community Awareness Day was held at East Hartford High School on November 24th where students learned the importance of serving their communities and to be present in their community.  The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation joined the event for a panel discussion and professional service opportunities within the community.

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GEAR UP EH has been co-leading workshops with CIBA counselors on the topics of SEL and academic skills. These workshops help students identify and cope with stress as well as to effectively manage their time and many academic responsibilities.

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GEAR UP EH is providing opportunities for tutoring and enrichment in STEM with after-school algebra sessions and a Girls Who Code Club.

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Are you on track? GU EH works with students during “scholar hour” as a way to meet individually with key school support staff and provide support to students based on academic progress reports to stay on track.  GEAR UP coaches counseled dozens of students during the day devoted to Scholar Hour check-ins.

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GU Meriden started November with a virtual “Parent Leadership Council” (PLC) meeting. The purpose of the November PLC meetings are to gain parent engagement and begin working with 9th grade families. Our work is important that we hear from families what they need as part of the transition to high school. Working with our families allows us to inform the community of services that GU has to offer and what is currently happening in the schools.

• Platt High School conducted a clubs fair where various clubs were showcased for students to learn more about and participate in.  GEAR UP Meriden was on-hand speaking with students and encouraging them to sign up for academic coaching with GU tutors

• The GU team participated in a district wide community resource event speaking directly with families on the services offered to students. (See LEAP Resource Fair picture).

• GU At-Risk Coordinator, Juliana has begun working with both high schools to develop small group workshops for students on topics such as: social skills, self-esteem, women’s empowerment and communications.

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Click Here for a viewable PDF

GEAR UP CT FALL NEWSLETTER

Sept. 16, 2021

CSCU News

Click on the link below to view the segment.

WTNH-TV8: ‘GEAR UP’ program prepares students in underserved communities for college