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Board hears GEAR UP Longwood partnership to serve ACMS 7th-grade cohort
Summary
Dr. Wheeler briefed the board on a seven-year GEAR UP Longwood University partnership that will target the class of 2031 beginning in 7th grade; schools receive about $30,000 annually and programming includes tutoring, college visits and family engagement.
Dr. Wheeler presented an overview of the federally funded GEAR UP Longwood Partnership and how Amelia County Middle School (ACMS) will implement the program during year one. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a U.S. Department of Education initiative that, in Virginia, is administered through the State Council of Higher Education and implemented in partnership with Longwood University.
Dr. Wheeler said each participating school receives approximately $30,000 annually in school-based grant funding and access to partner services. Required activities include academic tutoring, at least one college visit per year, family engagement sessions each semester, STEM and career-readiness activities, professional development for staff and logistical support for summer programming. The program is cohort-based and is designed to follow a single cohort (Class of 2031) from 7th grade through a student’s first year of college.
ACMS staff described year-one activities that include hiring coordinators and tutors, launching after-school tutoring and planning family engagement nights. Dr. Wheeler said participation will be open to students in the cohort and staff will use data to determine tutoring eligibility and services.
What happens next ACMS staff will proceed with staff hiring and planning for spring and summer activities tied to the GEAR UP grant; families and students in the cohort will be notified of specific events and supports as year-one programming is scheduled.
