Welcome to the K-State GEAR UP I Program Web Site

GEAR UP I is a federally funded program designed to encourage qualified participants to complete middle school, high school, and pursue a post-secondary education in a 2-year community college, or a 4-year college or university. GEAR UP provides tutorial services, academic workshops, mentoring, college campus visits, career exploration, exposure to cultural events, personal and career counseling, college entrance exam prep, admissions/financial aid forms assistance, and career exploration.

GEAR UP's Mission

GEAR UP's Mission is to create a student, parent, school, and community partnership that will ensure success for all student participants. The GEAR UP Program will foster the concepts of Life Long Learning and application of interdisciplinary perspectives that will allow each student to function in diverse situations.

GEAR UP's Program Objectives

The GEAR UP Program will enhance school curriculum as well as providing academic and financial resources to USD 475. The program will have a strong academic year, and summer residential components. Students will enroll in the GEAR UP Program while in 9th grade, and will remain in the program until their graduation, in 2009.

•  Advising in Course Selection
•  Academic Workshops
•  Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams
•  Mentoring
•  Field trips
•  Visits to various college campuses
•  Career Exploration
•  Assistance with college admissions and financial aid information
•  Guidance on secondary school re-entry
•  Personal and career counseling
•  Exposure to social and cultural events
•  A two week summer program