How does Colorado GEAR UP work?
7th - 8th Grade
Beginning in the seventh grade, Colorado GEAR UP will select a new cohort of up to 100 seventh graders each year in 10 middle schools in 8 school districts statewide. Each school is assigned a Site Coordinator that serves as a career and college resource and mentor. In middle school, GEAR UP students participate in a college readiness curriculum that provides them with the opportunity for post secondary exposure, exploration and experience.
9th - 12th Grade
To ease the transition and to provide continued support, GEAR UP Coordinators follow their middle school cohort into high school. Coordinators serve as a case manager and help to prepare all students to meet the high expectations for college admission and graduation, thus helping to level the playing field for the neediest of students and families. Colorado GEAR UP provides students and families with the information, resources and academic support necessary to finish high school and gain admission to college. Those who successfully complete the program and meet certain qualifications will be eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship to help pay for their college education. The first new class of GEAR UP scholars will graduate from high school in 2011
GEAR UP Scholarship
GEAR UP students that fulfill the program requirements and meet all of the guidelines and eligibility terms can apply for the GEAR UP Scholarship if they meet the financial aid requirements determined by FAFSA in their senior year. Students must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident in order to apply. Students that meet all of the requirements and qualifications can be awarded up to $10,000 in scholarship money, $2500 per school year. GEAR UP scholarship awards must be used within the state of Colorado. Scholarship recipients can access the four years of education throughout a six-year time frame. This would allow for a late start or for time out in between academic years in case of unexpected circumstances.
College Support Services
GEAR UP has a full time College Coordinator that works with GEAR UP scholarship recipients. The majority of our students are 1st generation students and are not yet college savvy. The College Coordinator provides ongoing support to help ease the transition by establishing partnerships with support services on college campuses. GEAR UP college freshman are supplied with a survival kit to guide them through the college experience. The College Coordinator tracks student progress and is available as a resource for students.
GEAR UP Program Eligibility Terms:
- Upon entry into the program, the student must be eligible for Free or Reduced Price Lunch or have an equivalent family income.
- In order to qualify for program services and the GEAR UP Scholarship, GEAR UP Scholars must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States and qualify for the College Opportunity Fund stipend and be eligible for in-state tuition.
Upon acceptance to the Colorado GEAR UP program, students and parents will be required to sign a contract abiding to all of the GEAR UP program conditions and agreements. Parents and students will also be required to sign a letter of understanding outlining the scholarship eligibility terms and requirements.
To learn about how you can become a GEAR UP student, please contact us at 303-866-2723
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1560 Broadway, Suite 1600
