GEAR UP Week Celebrations Are Gearing Up Everywhere

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In Prince Georges County Maryland, schools are conducting workshops this week to inform parents of the college-going prospects of students enrolled in the GEAR UP college readiness program, and provide suggestions on how parents can assist every child to achieve success in post-secondary education.

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In Puerto Rico, GEAR UP students are writing on the walls – Dream Walls – filling poster-size sheets with their goals for higher education and life beyond high school.

At Laramie County Community College in Wyoming, and in schools across California, students are writing thank-you letters to Members of Congress for keeping GEAR UP alive and well in their communities and across the nation.

It's all in celebration of National GEAR UP Week, Oct. 24 to 28, marking the success and the future prospects of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP, created by Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) more than a decade ago, prepares low-income and underserved students from sixth to 12th grades for the challenge and importance of education beyond high school graduation.

"President Obama has issued the clarion call for every young American to pursue higher education and training, both for personal achievement and to help our nation win the future," said Congressman Fattah. "GEAR UP is an important part of that effort. Celebrating National GEAR UP Week showcases the imperative to prepare every student, not just a fortunate few, for the rigors and opportunities of post-secondary education."

Fattah has partnered with the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and the nonprofit National Council for Community and Education Partnerships to expand the annual celebration of GEAR UP to encompass a full school week for 2011.

"GEAR UP Week is an exciting time in our schools," Fattah said. "Reports are reaching our office of pep rallies, essay contests, televised assemblies, GEAR UP alumni reunions. In Texas there's even a Financial Aid Guy and a College App Guy who've joined the party."

GEAR UP is a nearly $4 billion success story that has impacted 12 million students in 49 states, Washington, D.C. and the American territories. The program has modeled a concept that is expanding to other countries. High schools with a significant enrollment of low-income students – and the middle schools that feed into them – can participate.

GEAR UP prepares students for post high school education and training, provides financial aid information and resources, counsels parents and guardians on their role in the process – and provides on-going incentive to stay in school among those who are most at risk of dropping out.

Fattah is the architect of GEAR UP, creating the program and guiding it to passage as a young, minority-party Member of the House in 1998. The program was subsequently signed into law by President Clinton and began operating in 1999.

"GEAR UP demystifies college and portrays the college dream as a real possibility – and imperative – for every student from sixth to 12th grade," said Fattah. "It's been my honor and pleasure to meet GEAR UP success stories  wherever I go."

Fattah will be celebrating National GEAR UP Week at a special rally in his hometown at South Philadelphia High School on Friday.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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