GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)
Mission Statement
The University of Michigan GEAR UP Program mission is to provide quality pre-college programming that is responsive and tailored to the needs, character, and desires of our designated partner schools. UM GEAR UP works together with schools to provide the school communities (students, families and school staff) with the best academic, social and personal skills related to college access and benefits. UM GEAR UP delivers this information in a variety of promotional and educational efforts by establishing partnerships with other institutions of similar missions.
What is GEAR UP?
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor GEAR UP Program works in conjunction with five partner school communities in the metropolitan Detroit area: Barber Focus School (Highland Park), Cerveny Middle School (Detroit), Ford Academy for Communication and Performing Arts (Highland Park), Romulus Middle School (Romulus), and University Preparatory Academy (Detroit) to provide an opportunity for underrepresented students to discover first hand, the potential of college education and to expose students to the information, knowledge and skills they need to complete high school and prepare themselves adequately for college entry.
UM GEAR UP will work with and follow the 7th grade cohort at each partnering school for the next six years until high school graduation. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Spring Visits and our Summer Institute to tour the University of Michigan campus, engage and interact with current undergraduate and graduate students and experience workshops that focus on acquiring knowledge and skills that relate to academic, social and personal growth. GEAR UP places a high priority on addressing the needs of the whole student; therefore our program also works with parents and school staff around the issues of college preparation, financial aid, and professional and curriculum development.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor GEAR UP Program replaces the previously successful K/C/P Program however our commitment to exposing students to the possibilities of higher education is the same.
