The 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.
The program will service 1,157 students from two middle schools, one junior high,
and two high schools. Our school district partners include: Clarksville School District
and Russellville School District. Our community partners include the Russellville
Boys and Girls Club, Education Consulting, LLC, and
STEM training. We are applying for a 7-year grant starting with students in the 6th
and 7th grades and following them through their first year of college. We will provide
emphasis on summer counseling to cohorts of students and start summer melt activities
in the early years to ensure maximum support and matriculation to college.
GEAR UP TEAM:
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GEAR UP Director: Sheila Gamero
GEAR UP Director |
GEAR UP Advisor: Stephanie Swatzel
Stephanie holds 5 credentials from Arkansas Tech University, including a Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration, a Master of Arts in English, a Bachelors of Art in both English and Psychology, and a graduate certificate in Advising. Stephanie is an adjunct instructor for the Department of English and World Languages, and for the School of Professional and Community Education (PACE). In addition, she is one of two faculty/staff sponsors for the Prism, LLC; a voting board member and the current secretary of River Valley Food4Kids; and is the regional coordinator for Free Mom Hugs of the Arkansas River Valley. sswatzel1@atu.edu |
GEAR UP PD Coordinator: Jeremy Bull
Jeremy Bull is 2010 graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s in Agribusiness, and a 2020 graduate of Southern Arkansas University with his Master’s of Arts in Teaching. Jeremy has served in public education both at the local school and state levels. Jeremy has presented at both state and national educational and rehabilitation science conferences. He and his wife Rachel reside in Dardanelle, where they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. jbull3@atu.edu |
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
