GEAR UP FOR STUDENTS

The GEAR UP student cohort is identified more clearly to facilitate the dissemination of GEAR UP information, recruitment, and referral.  With the agreement of the Principals and the Assistant Principals, the GEAR UP cohort is defined as tenth grade students who are enrolled in the global Studies classes of 5-6 selected Social Studies faculty.  This provided an opportunity for GEAR UP staff to present information and talk to the students in these classes.  At the same time, these classes were not the only source for recruitment; there was an opportunity for all tenth grade students to participate in the GEAR UP activities.

College Bound Program. In an effort to intensify information provided to students (as well as parents) about college, GEAR UP's College Bound program consisted of three components: the beginning of a College Portfolio, implemented across all three high schools in the spring of 10th grade, the College Coach Program, College Visits.  In order to implement the Portfolio program, GEAR UP worked closely with the Office of Queens High Schools to choose a committee whose mission was to develop curriculum lessons aimed at exploring students' knowledge about and attitudes toward college, and to prepare them for college visits.  The lessons were developed and taught by all the teachers in each high school's English department.

Helpful information for students.

Federal Student Aid on line: FAFSA

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The College Board Information  

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Managing the price of college Information

The College Coach and College Visit programs involved a Teacher/Coach who worked with a group of 25 students for three sessions to prepare students for a college campus visit.  Subsequently, the Coach accompanied students to the college visit, which engaged students in active research , and debriefed with students about their college experience.  A total of nine (9) high school faculty members were hired to work with 225 students.  The three campuses selected represented public and private institutions, all easily accessible to the high schools.  Parents are also involved in this College Bound program.