GEAR UP SWV
Resources For Students & Parents/Guardians
GEAR UP SWV is working to encourage students to graduate from high school and continue into college. Research suggests that integrating college access programs early in a student’s education and maintaining them throughout high school boosts student achievement and overall graduation rates.
Our objectives are:
- Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
- Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
- Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
- Increase the number of students who build and exhibit social, emotional, and academic resilience.
What is GEAR UP?
GEAR UP is a federal grant designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in public and private colleges and universities and community colleges immediately after high school.
What does GEAR UP aim to accomplish?
GEAR UP is working to encourage students to graduate from high school and continue into college. Research suggests that integrating college access programs early in a student’s education and maintaining them throughout high school boosts student achievement and overall graduation rates.
The GEAR UP SWV objectives are:
- Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
- Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP student
- Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
- Increase the number of students who build and exhibit social, emotional, and academic resilience.
For more information on GEAR UP, please refer to the US Department of Education website.
What types of services does GEAR UP SWV offer?
Services are provided in three main areas: student programming, parent education, and professional development for educators. Every attempt is made to tailor the programs offered to the specific needs of local schools as they relate to the objectives listed above.
Where is GEAR UP SWV available?
Our partnership grant includes Concord University, New River CTC, community organizations, business partners, and schools in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties.
After January 27, 2025, the GEAR UP SWV community can access Tutor.com by following these steps:
- GEAR UP SWV students, families, teachers access 24/7 online tutoring from Tutor.com at this link: Tutor.com/GEARUPSWV
- Enter New Username = Student Email Address (example: jrsmith@stu.k12.wv.us)
- New Password = GEARupSWV28 (for the class of 2028) OR GEARupSWV29 (for the class of 2029)
Tutor.com – What does Tutor.com provide for parents/guardians and students?
Watch the following videos for more information about getting started with Tutor.com!
**GEAR UP SWV Parents/Guardians**
The GEAR UP SWV program is for students in the class of 2028 and 2029 attending public school in Raleigh, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Wyoming Counties.
To connect with the GEAR UP SWV Family Engagement Coordinator, click here or email gearup@concord.edu with any questions about how to get your GEAR UP SWV student involved.
GEAR UP SWV’s Family Advisory Councils (FAC) is here to help promote resources and support events for our students and their families. The councils aim to: Connect with parents and build engagement by sharing GEAR UP services, like Tutor.com and the Student Success Agency. Educate families on the goals of GEAR UP SWV to foster student success. Assist with planning and promoting events, including parent and student college tours coming in March.
- Connect with parents and build engagement by sharing GEAR UP services, like Tutor.com and the Student Success Agency.
- Educate families on the goals of GEAR UP SWV to foster student success.
- Assist with planning and promoting events, including parent and student college tours coming in March.
By working with the Family Advisory Councils, we can strengthen outreach, increase parent involvement, and ultimately, support our students’ pathways to college and career readiness.
For more information contact GEAR UP SWV Family Engagement Coordinator, Catrice Robinson or call 304-384-6231.
Student Success Agency – What is Student Success Agency?
We get it, you’re busy. But you want what’s best for your student. GEAR UP SWV is proud to provide 24/7 mentoring and support outside of the classroom with Student Success Agency (SSA). The classes of 2028 and 2029 in Mercer, Summers and Wyoming Counties now have an account with Student Success Agency!
Student Success Agency (SSA) is a cutting-edge, effective, and sustainable solution to expand learning seamlessly. SSA’s agents work across 20 states and more than 500 plus schools to provide communities with timely afterschool and weekend support like tutoring, mental health coaching, and post-secondary guidance. Schools with SSA have increased learning time by 76,000 minutes, equivalent to an additional school year. Our mantra is that if NBA superstar Lebron James has an agent, so should every student regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic background, or zip code. Find more information on the SSA Summer Flyer here.
Community Resources
Sheatsley, Sandra
Assistant Director of Federal Programs / Director of GEAR UP SWV
304-384-5278
Email Me
Mills, Tammy
GEAR UP SWV Coordinator and Community Outreach
304-929-5471
