Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

GEAR UP Newsletter February 2025

Fact Sheet
Newsletter

Mission

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, GEAR UP helps students from low-income communities prepare for and succeed in education beyond high school. Delta State University received its first GEAR UP partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education in September 2021. The program serves students starting in 6th grade and follows them through their first year of postsecondary education. Services provided include but are not limited to, tutoring, academic counseling, dual enrollment opportunities, career development, financial literacy, and professional development.

This work matters. Students from low-income communities need equitable access to educational opportunities to meet future demands.

GEAR UP goals:

• Increase student expectations and readiness for education beyond high school

• Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for

  students

• Improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates

• Raise the knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financial aid among

  students and families

• Increase the career readiness of cohort students (The cohort includes students in

  grades 9 and 10 for 2024-2025, and the program will follow these students until

  graduation.)

Strategic Partners and Stakeholders:

Mississippi Achievement School District partners through this initiative:

• Delta State University (GEAR UP Grantee & Fiscal Agent)

• Casey Family Programs

• Foundation for the MidSouth

• Woodward Hines Foundation (Get2College)

• Tutor.com

• Vela Institute

School District Partners

Humphreys County School District
Yazoo City School District
Holmes County School District
Hollandale School District
Leland School District
Greenville School District
Greenwood-Leflore Consolidated School District
Western Line School District
Cleveland School District
North Bolivar School District

Types of Services GEAR UP provides:

• College and career planning

• Educator professional development

• Family engagement and workshops

• Financial aid advising

• Job site visits

• Mentoring

• Scholarships

• Tutoring and academic support

Calendar of Events:

• GEAR UP Advisory Meeting

• National GEAR UP Week - September 23-27, 2024

• College Application and Exploration Week - October 28 - November 1, 2024

• Parent Workshop - November 21, 2024 @ 5:00 pm

Contact Information:

Dr. Shawana Lee Powell, District Liaison
Humphreys Region
(662) 247-6000
snlee@masd.k12.ms.us

Louis James, School Liaison
Humphreys County High School
(662) 247-6040
ljames@masd.k12.ms.us