GEAR UP Program

St. John’s University received one of 30 federal partnership GEAR UP grants in September 2014. The program is designed to increase high school graduation and college enrollment rate in high povery communities while providing a plethora of academic, social, and community support. Services will be offered over the next seven years. Our target population consists of 650-7th graders attending the Joseph Pulitzer Junior High School (IS 145), in Jackson Heights, NY. Using a cohort approach, the students enrolled in the program during years one and two will be tracked throughout high school and into college. During years three through six of the program, SJU will provide services to GEAR UP scholars attending William Cullen Bryant High School (primary high school) and other local high schools. St. John’s University’s GEAR UP provides each school with mentors, in addition to establishing an after school program. Students are exposed to college events and activities through field trips to St. John’s University.

Program Goals

Goal 1—Improve the number of students obtaining a secondary diploma and enrolling in postsecondary education

Goal 2—Promote student and family understanding of financial literacy as well as academic requirements for college

Goal 3—Increase student enrollment in rigorous and challenging curricula and coursework to decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level

Goal 4—Enhance teacher quality through professional development on common core state standards

Goal 5—Enhance the use of data to improve instructional practice, student outcomes, and program implementation

Goal 6—Foster the replication and sustainability of GEAR UP intervention strategies for after federal funding has ceased

University Goals

• Improve students’ personal achievement goals
• Increase attendance
• Advance student knowledge about careers through a career counselor
• Provide help in passing Regents Exams
• Improve students’ SAT scores
• Furnish help in completing college applications and financial aid forms
• Supply e-mentors from college students and post-college volunteers in fields that match students’ career interests
• Provide professional development in various fields including technology, learning standards and the college admissions process
• Enroll at least 75% of the GEAR UP scholars in a two-year or four-year undergraduate program in 2021

• Spring 2010
• Summer 2010
• Winter 2010