The GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (SWV) Partnership

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (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.

The US Department of Education provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at middle and high schools where more than 50% of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch.

GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than seventh grade and follow the cohort into high school.

Our partnership grant includes Concord University, New River CTC, community organizations, business partners, and schools in Southern WV (Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties).

The grant is a one-time award, beginning in September 2022 and will continue through August 2029.

The GEAR UP program provides funding and programming for professional development for teachers and administrators, academic and cultural enrichment for students, and assistance for parents and students in becoming familiar with college options, financial aid, and transition concerns.

Information

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:

  1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
  2. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
  3. Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
  4. 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:

  1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
  2. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP student
  3. Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
  4. 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.

Media Relations/Promotional/Marketing Support 

  1. Request media coverage and media relations support by filling out this News Release Request form.

Some examples of when to use the News Release Request form include the following:

  • GEAR UP SWV school/county is hosting an event/workshop and wants local reporters/media to attend.
  • A GEAR UP SWV school/student/county has an exciting success story relevant to project goals such as FAFSA completion rates, etc.
  • A GEAR UP SWV student/school/county reaches an exciting milestone.
  • A GEAR UP SWV school/county is looking to engage parent/guardians to actively participation in an event.

2. Request an update to the GEAR UP SWV website, conocord.edu/gearup, by filling out the Website Update Request form.

Some examples of when to use the Website Update Request form include the following:

  • GEAR UP SWV school/county is planning a yearly program for students and you want to share FAQs about the program.
  • Contact information to organizations that provide resources to GEAR UP SWV students and families in your region.
  • Yearly professional development opportunities for GEAR UP SWV teachers.

3. Share images of your GEAR UP SWV event on central social media.

Always make sure students have permission to be photographed before you share images by:

  • Sending an email gearup@concord.edu to request the link to share images directly to a folder on One Drive.
  • Or you check with GEAR UP SWV central office Local Coordinators to request the direct link.
  • Share images via messenger on Facebook – GEAR UP SWV. 

Always provide date, location, and description of the image. This can be done via Facebook messenger, an email to your Central Office LC or to garup@concord.edu Some examples of when to share images include:

  • GEAR UP SWV students/school/county attends a college for a visit
  • GEAR UP SWV students/school/county hosts a program/event without media coverage

Images could be used on the following sites: 

4. Download a 2023 National GEAR UP Week Toolkit to engage raise awareness about GEAR UP and GEAR UP SWV!

The kit includes:

  • GEAR UP SWV communication summary statements
  • Summary of National GEAR UP Week
  • Ways to get involved on social media including a list of GEAR UP SWV sites, hashtags, national themed days, and more
  • Media release template
  • Photo Opportunity flyer
  • Blank thank you card to send to congress

Where is GEAR UP SWV Located?

In order to make your experience the best it can be, please allow four weeks before your desired campus visit date for planning and processing purposes.

GEAR UP SWV Central Office Staff

Ashford, Lesley
Ashford, Lesley
GEAR UP SWV Finance and Contracts Manager
304-384-5245
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Doty, Jessica
Doty, Jessica
GEAR UP SWV Communications Manager / Cheerleading Coach
304-384-5981
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Frame, Jennifer
Frame, Jennifer
GEAR UP SWV Partnership Coordinator
304-384-6229
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Puckett, Tracy
Puckett, Tracy
GEAR UP SWV Partnership Coordinator
304-384-6230
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Robinson, Catrice
Robinson, Catrice
GEAR UP SWV Family Engagement Coordinator
304-384-6231
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Williams, Kristen
Williams, Kristen
IHE Local Coordinator for GEAR UP SWV
304-384-5269
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Tammy Mills

Tammy Mills

GEAR UP SWV Coordinator and Community Outreach
304-929-5471