What Is GEAR UP? The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness of low-income students in communities nationwide. The College of Education is one of 18 schools nationwide who received GEAR UP funding this fiscal year.
GEAR UP is a highly competitive grant program that helps empower local partnerships comprised of K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, state agencies, and community organizations to achieve three strategic goals:
- Increasing the postsecondary expectations and readiness of students.
- Improving high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.
- Raising the knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financing among students and families.
“Through GEAR UP SC, our College of Education will enable thousands more students to overcome barriers that hinder their pursuit of college and career opportunities.”
Goals
The College of Education will work with school districts around the state to provide supports over seven years with goals to:
- increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for GEAR UP South Carolina students
- increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education for GEAR UP South Carolina students
- increase education expectations and knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation and financing
- increase preparation of teachers and staff to teach and serve GEAR UP South Carolina students
The College of Education will:
- offer courses and curricula that prepare students for college-level work and ensure college readiness, use assessment measures throughout high school so that students are aware of how prepared they are for college and assist them in overcoming deficiencies as they are identified
- surround students with adults and peers who build and support their college-going aspirations
- engage and assist students in completing critical steps for college entry
- increase families’ financial awareness and help students apply for financial aid
“Our college is committed to making South Carolina college and career ready. As the largest preparer of educators in South Carolina, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve education for everyone in our state. The future of our state depends on a workforce that is ready to embrace big challenges. By introducing students in their middle school years to the supports that the University of South Carolina offers, we can help them achieve educational goals in high school and beyond.”
Participating school districts are chosen based on their rate of students with free or reduced lunch as well as their geographic location. The grant complements the college’s existing work in communities through its Institute for Rural Education and Development and CarolinaCrED program.
The grant’s principal investigator is Ali Brian, Associate Dean of Research in the College of Education and is supported by faculty members Andrea Taliaferro, Sally Miedema, Julia Lopez-Robertson, Dorothy Ohrt and Kristin Harbour.
The College of Education is one of 18 schools nationwide who received GEAR UP funding this fiscal year.