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Newburgh GEAR UP staff, students describe college and career supports to board
Summary
GEAR UP coordinators and scholars described a state-run, federally funded grant that provides free college‑ and career‑readiness programming to Newburgh ninth graders and families; presenters highlighted trips, after‑school academics and family financial literacy events.
Sharif Washington, the GEAR UP program coordinator for Newburgh, told the Board of Education on Jan. 14 that the program provides no‑cost college and career supports to the district’s ninth‑grade cohort and their families.
Washington said GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded, state‑administered grant designed to increase graduation and college‑readiness rates. "Just because the grant ends doesn't mean my support ends," he said, explaining the program tracks and supports students from middle school through their first year of college.
The nut graf: GEAR UP is a multi‑year grant that follows a cohort and offers college visits, career exploration, summer academies and family workshops at no cost to families or to the district. Washington said Newburgh is in year three of a seven‑year grant cycle that currently follows the class of 2028.
Program details and student experiences Washington said the program supplies transportation, workshops and academic supports; he described a family outreach night in which 62 students identified as at‑risk were invited, 39 families attended and 20 students enrolled in the initial after‑school academy. "Sixteen of those students were able to change their status from promotion in doubt to promotion confirmed," he said.
Several GEAR UP scholars addressed the board about campus visits and how the program changed their plans. "The most impactful activity shaping my path today was our trip to Ithaca College and Cornell University," said Eli McNair, a GEAR UP scholar, who told the board the visits influenced him to consider medicine and to aim for Cornell. "It inspired me to aim higher."
Student Silver Stewart described summer and campus experiences that expanded his understanding of different college environments and pathways, including community college and apprenticeships. Claire Grievan Smith, who writes for the program newsletter, said GEAR UP increased her confidence and gave her a platform to publish her work.
Staffing, outreach and awards Washington credited state GEAR UP staff — New York GEAR UP director Nona Donovan, project coordinator Sabina Kelly and Tessa Bisca — for supporting the district’s work. He and event facilitator Kevin Rogers said they maintain open office hours (including Saturdays) across campuses; Washington provided an email contact: newburghgearup@necsd.net.
Washington also noted a recent recognition: a congressional proclamation from Rep. Pat Ryan acknowledging the program’s work.
Why this matters Board members praised the program’s work with ninth‑grade students and asked whether the model could be expanded to other cohorts. Washington said he had discussed extending services with the state director but had no firm timeline; he described efforts to support older students as well.
Ending Washington listed upcoming GEAR UP events, described a monthly student newsletter called the GEAR UP Spotlight and invited families to contact the program at newburghgearup@necsd.net for more information.
