GEAR UP update: district outlines grant model and students describe college access experiences
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Summary
District staff summarized the GEAR UP program’s objectives and grant structures; students shared personal experiences including campus visits, career trips, and enrichment activities that they credited with shaping postsecondary aspirations.
Miss Jones briefed the board on the GEAR UP program, which the district uses to provide college and career exploration and supports for priority student cohorts. She described two grant models — a larger state partnership grant (presented as having a larger overall budget) and a smaller partnership grant with a per‑student figure cited as $800 — and said the program focuses on students, families and systems to build a college‑going culture.
Miss Jones emphasized academic planning, SAT preparation, adviser ratio improvements and family engagement work. She then introduced students who shared firsthand experiences: Samantha described summer and college trip programming that introduced her to multiple campuses; Josiah credited GEAR UP with broadening his perspective and strengthening ambitions; another student described music and leadership experiences tied to the program.
Board members asked questions and praised the student testimonials. No formal action accompanied this presentation; Miss Jones said updates will continue as the program proceeds.