GEAR UP is federally funded by the Department of Education aiding middle school, high school, and first-year college students, in WA prepare for post-secondary pathways. We want to build a relationship with parents and teachers involved in GEAR UP - and with the community at large. We hope to provide a platform for sharing information that will support students' success as they move through middle school, high school, and on to college. The RISE UP (Rural Initiative in STEM Education and Undergraduate Preparation)/GEAR UP partnership addresses the educational needs of low-income, at-risk students in the Yakima, Skagit, and Klickitat Valleys of Washington State, by providing activities, information, and the educational opportunities and support necessary for students to be successful in college. These thirteen rural school districts are participants: Burlington-Edison, East Valley, Goldendale, Grandview, Granger, Mt. This $27.72 million U.S. Department of Education grant serves almost 5,000 students over the next 7 years, beginning in the 6th/7th grades through high school graduation and into their first year of college. Increasing students' readiness for college includes: a rigorous STEM curriculum and enrichment activities, instructional support and tutoring, field trips and visits to college campuses, and SAT test preparation. Providing parents with important information regarding college entrance requirements, the application process, and financial aid - and teachers with ongoing STEM curriculum training and professional development, are also key components to the success of the program. For more information, contact the UW GEAR UP office in Toppen*sh, WA @ (509) 865-8670.
