GearUP
Questions and Answers
What does GearUp stand for?
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
What does the program do?
It is designed to encourage and help students plan and take the necessary steps to prepare for college.
How early?
Some students started in the program in 6th grade.
What schools have the program?
In St. Mary's County, all of the students are now 12th graders at Great Mills High school.
How does the program work?
Because our 12th graders are involved in many activities, different students do different activities in GearUp. Three are taking a college writing class at St. Mary's College of Maryland this summer. 20 are taking an intensive 2 week SAT preparation course this summer that will continue in the fall. Some join the Black Student Union at St. Mary's College of Maryland for monthly seminars and activities. We'll be doing a tour of Eastern Shore colleges this fall, complementing the other tours for parents and students done last year. We have quarterly awards banquets and information sessions for students and families. Some students will begin college this fall, attending two classes at the College of Southern Maryland.
How many students are in the program?
46 as of Fall, 2005
Can new students join?
No, enrollment is closed, as this is a 7 year research study that follows this group of students carefully.
Where does the funding for the program come from?
The Maryland State Department of Education provides federal money through a subgrant to the 5 partners in the grant.
Who are the 5 partners?
St. Mary's County Public Schools, Calvert County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and the College of Southern Maryland. The College of Southern Maryland is the lead partner.
Are the parents involved?
Yes, parents attend special meetings, we mail newsletters home and broadcast phone messages to parents, and we ask for their participation and feedback.
How do I find out more?
Contact Mark Smith at mgsmith@smcps.org or call him at 301-475-5511 ext 137. Also, you can check out the national GearUp page at http://www.ed.gov/gearup/ or the
Maryland GearUp page
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