VCU "Gears Up" local students for college careers

By Amy Kaloski
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University recently finished another summer GEAR-UP program, designed to provide local high-school students from economically disadvantaged areas with the information and encouragement to attend and succeed in college.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR-UP) worked with Kaplan K12 Learning Services to offer students math and language skills to help prepare them for the Virginia Standards of Learning tests.

The programs varied in length and scope, but all had an academic and college preparation focus. This year's main academic focus was writing.

GEAR-UP's director, Franklin Wallace, said the program gives low-income families the opportunity to start preparing for college early.

"Our academic program seeks to improve their school performance, increase the number of students who graduate from high school and attend college, and educate students and their families about the real costs to make college an affordable reality," said Wallace. "We want to provide students with the extra support needed to excel academically and socially in a college environment."

The program mirrored the reality of a typical college day for students. They were in class from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an hour for lunch each day. In addition to classes the students met with professors who helped them assess possible majors and careers, and what steps they needed to take to pursue their interests.

The students also participated in other activities that fostered creative thinking, team building and self-esteem. This was the third year VCU hosted the GEAR-UP program. This year's GEAR-UP class will graduate from high school in 2006.

For more information on the program contact Franklin Wallace at (804) 827-1907 or visit www.schev.edu.