GEAR UP | Concord University

West Virginia GEAR UP is a federally funded program that helps students in ten counties prepare to succeed in education and training beyond high school. “GEAR UP” stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs,” and the program’s goal is to help more students pursue their dreams of earning a college diploma or skillset certificate.

The program stresses the importance of earning a two or four-year degree after high school, and provides students with resources to help them obtain those degrees. The program’s ultimate goal is to build a sustainable education program that can be implemented statewide.

West Virginia GEAR UP is managed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), in collaboration with the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, the West Virginia Department of Education and many other community partners. The Commission also coordinates the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) and some outreach services for adult learners. The Commission is the coordinating body for the state’s four-year public colleges and universities, and is responsible for developing, establishing and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the institutions.

FAQs

What is West Virginia GEAR UP?

West Virginia GEAR UP is a federally funded, seven-year program aimed at “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate programs.” The program helps students plan, apply and pay for training beyond high school.

What does GEAR UP do?

GEAR UP provides many free activities and services to help students and their families plan, apply and pay for education and training beyond high school. Examples include:

college campus visits and tours
tutoring
credit recovery classes
ACT/SAT test preparation workshops
academic day camps and workshops
financial aid workshops
college prep summer academies
college exploration and preparation workshops
career academies
leadership academies

Additionally, GEAR UP is a key partner in offering statewide activities and resources, including:

Finally, GEAR UP also provides training and resources to counselors and educators to help further develop a supportive college-going culture in schools and communities.

Where is GEAR UP available?

Schools participating in West Virginia GEAR UP’s 2014-2021 grant program are listed below. To view a list of schools currently being served through West Virginia GEAR UP’s previous (2008-2015) grant, click here.

Boone County:

Scott High School (2016-2021 serving, class of 2020)
Sherman High School (2016-2021, serving class of 2020)
Van Junior/Senior High School (2014-2021)

Mason County:

Hannan Junior/Senior High School (2014-2021)
Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School (2014-2021)
Wahama Junior/Senior High School (2014-2021)

Mingo County:

Mingo Central Comprehensive High School (2014-2021)
Tug Valley High School (2014-2021)

Summers County:

Summers High School (2014-2021)

Wirt County:

Wirt County High School (2014-2021)

Fayette County:

Meadow Bridge High School (2014-2021)
Midland Trail High School (2014-2021)
Oak Hill High School (2014-2021)
Valley High School (2014-2021)

Mercer County:

Bluefield High School (2014-2021)
Montcalm High School (2014-2021)
Pikeview High School (2016-2021, serving class of 2020)
Princeton Senior High School (2016-2021, serving class of 2020)

Nicholas County:

Nicholas County High School (2014-2021)
Richwood High School (2014-2021)

Webster County:

Webster County High School (2014-2021)

Wyoming County:

Westside High School (2014-2021)
Wyoming County East High School (2016-2021, serving class of 2020)

Goals of the Program

Academic Performance and Rigorous Preparation

West Virginia GEAR UP aims to significantly increase both the academic performance and the rigorous preparation of students for participation in postsecondary education.

Enrollment and Success in Postsecondary Education

West Virginia GEAR UP works to increase the number of high-poverty, at-risk students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

High School Graduation and Beyond

West Virginia GEAR UP aims to significantly increase the rate of high school graduation and participation of GEAR UP students in postsecondary education.

Family Support

West Virginia GEAR UP works with students' families to significantly increase GEAR UP students'/families' knowledge of postsecondary educational institutions, admissions requirements, and financial aid.

Effective Collaboration

West Virginia GEAR UP staff and coordinating bodies work to ensure the effective efficient and most appropriate use of resources through intentional collaboration with identified partners that are committed to GEAR UP goals.

Policy Commission Student Affairs and P-20 Initiatives

Staff

	Elizabeth Manuel, Interim Director of Student Services 304-896-7452 304-558-0655 ext. 284 Elizabeth.Manuel@wvhepc.edu

	Brandon Hughes, Coordinator of Technology and Digital Outreach 304-558-0655 ext. 201 Brandon.Hughes@wvhepc.edu
	Jason (JR) Luyster, College Access and Success Program Director 304-558-0655 ext. 323 Jason.Luyster@wvhepc.edu
	Heather McChesney, Coordinator of Curriculum and Professional Development 304-558-0655 ext. 264 Heather.McChesney@wvhepc.edu
	Autumn Perry, College Access and Success Program Director 304-249-8083 Autumn.Perry@wvhepc.edu