The GEAR UP program at Arkansas Tech University offers a variety of engaging activities that support students, families, and educators. These activities are designed to build academic confidence, foster college and career awareness, and strengthen connections between schools and families.
High-Impact Tutoring
Students receive individualized academic support through high-impact tutoring sessions.
These sessions help reinforce core subject knowledge, improve study habits, and boost
academic performance in preparation for postsecondary success.
Family Engagement Nights
GEAR UP hosts family-friendly events that encourage collaboration between school and
home. Families participate in interactive workshops on topics such as financial literacy,
scholarship opportunities, and college readiness strategies.
College Preparedness & Campus Visits
GEAR UP students explore higher education through structured campus visits and college
preparation workshops. Activities include guided campus tours, informational sessions
on admissions and financial aid, and opportunities to meet with faculty and current
college students.
Career Exploration
Students engage in activities that expose them to various career pathways. Through
hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and job readiness sessions, GEAR UP helps students
connect their academic goals with future career opportunities.
Faculty / Staff Professional Development
GEAR UP offers professional learning opportunities for teachers and staff to strengthen
instructional practices and support student success. Sessions focus on equity, student
engagement, and strategies for improving college and career readiness outcomes.
ATU GEAR UP is short for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
The program is poised to create vigorous academic and educational experiences to low-income, diverse, disadvantaged youth in Johnson and Pope Counties in west central Arkansas. Our project goals focus on academic outcomes to increase high school graduation rates, expand the rate of graduates meeting state collegiate entrance requirements, and increase the rate of students applying to and enrolling in college. We will provide these activities and services through tutoring, mentoring, and advising using both in-person and remote platforms. We will conduct career and college workshops, offer career exploration opportunities, and provide a variety of events to build a college going culture in the schools we serve.
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GEAR UP Director: Sheila Gamero, M.A. |
Co-Principal: Dr. Heather Stefanski |
GEAR UP PD Coordinator: Jeremy Bull, M.A. |
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim |
GEAR UP Advisor: Heather Meeker |
GEAR UP Advisor: Peytan Nepivoda |
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GEAR UP PD Coordinator: Benjamin J. Foster |
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The following three goals will guide the ATU GEAR UP project design:
1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of
participating students,
2. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary
education, and
3. Educate students and their families about higher education options, preparation,
and financing for success in postsecondary education.
ATU has established the following five objectives for the GEAR UP project:
1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of
participating students
2. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary
education of participating students
3. Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education
options, preparation, and financing
4. Increase GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students who are enrolled at an IHE
5. Increase persistence to the second year of postsecondary education
