Gear Up, an acronym for gaining early awareness and readiness for undergrad programs, is a federal grant that District 6 was awarded. The classes of 2020 and 2021 were introduced to the program in their sixth and seventh grade years in an effort to encourage post-secondary education. After being introduced, the program will follow students up until they graduate high school.

Gear Up doesn’t just push toward four year university, all post-secondary education is an option, whether that be trade school, community college, or a degree at a university. To make strides toward higher education, the coordinators at Greeley West, Mr. Albert Maldonado and Ms. Marrisa Sanchez, provide resources to students such as computer labs, school supplies and tutors for in class help. Along with the help of materials and tutors, opportunities like the upcoming trip to Washington are also provided.

During the 2018 summer, eight students will be selected to attend the Youth Leadership Summit conference in Washington, D.C. for free. In order for a student to be selected, they must apply for the trip and will be judged on their GPA and essays that come with the application process. If selected, these Gear Up students will join 200-300 students from all over the nation to learn about team building, self-awareness, confidence and how to help around the community.

Maldonado says that, “the Gear Up model is really benefiting students who have been with us for a while and the students who are engaged in the program.”