GEAR UP - Yazoo City
MS Delta Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive federal program funded by US Department of Education. GEAR UP provides six-year or seven years grants to states and partnerships to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Delta State University received its first GEAR UP partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education in September 2021. The seven-year, $15 million award provides direct services to over 2,700 students and their families each year through partnerships with nine school districts statewide and other strategic partners and stakeholders. 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.
Program Objectives
Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for students.
Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education for schools.
Increase students and their family’s knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
Increase the Career Readiness of Cohort students.
Benefits to students and families
Students receive support through in class and extended day tutoring and homework assistance, mentoring, and career and college exploration, including postsecondary campus visits.
School districts provide activities to assist students with college applications and FAFSA completion.
Schools provide at least three family events per year to increase knowledge of postsecondary options, academic preparation and planning, and financial aid and scholarships.
Strategic Partners and Stakeholders
Strategic Partners and Stakeholders:
Mississippi Achievement School District partners through this initiative:
Delta State University (GEAR UP Grantee & Fiscal Agent)
Woodward Hines Foundation (Get2College)
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 Meetings – Last Wednesday of Each Month @ 5:30 p.m.
National GEAR UP Week - September 23-27, 2024
Bennie G. Thompson College and Career Fair – October 2, ,2024 (Greenville, MS)
College Application and Exploration Week - October 28 - November 1, 2024
ACT Workshop – December 7, 2024 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Carl Woodson
YCHS Gear Up Coordinator
662-746-2378
cwoods@masd.k12.ms.us
Romeka R. Mack
MASD – Yazoo Region Liaison
662-746-2125
rrmack@masd.k12.ms.us
