SUNY Jamestown Community College is participating in national Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs this week. GEAR UP is a college access program that provides students and families with support and resources needed for college success.
Since its inception in 1999, GEAR UP has improved educational outcomes for millions of low-income, minority, and disadvantaged students across the United States. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation was awarded a $28 million GEAR UP grant by the U.S. Department of Education to increase college readiness and success for more than 6,200 low-income New York state students. SUNY JCC serves 473 that meet this criteria.
JCC is celebrating National GEAR UP Week by helping students find power in their stories and having them write letters to their future selves about what they hope to achieve in school, college, and beyond. Students will also participate in a video competition about why college matters.
Eleven students from Jamestown and Dunkirk participated in a three-day leadership academy at Wells College this year. Thirty-five students took part in summer enrichment college and career camps, and college tours through the GEAR UP program.
“I got to meet other people from around the state,” said Sean Piglowsky, an eighth grade student in Dunkirk who attended the Wells College Leadership Academy. He learned that “in some circumstances you are nothing without a team.”
National GEAR UP Week is a chance to highlight GEAR UP’s positive impact on the community.
“We strive to encourage a college-going culture in the school and community, and increase students’ and families’ knowledge of postsecondary options,” said Nichole Segrue, program director for GEAR UP.
Segrue and Erin Carutis, associate director for JCC’s GEAR UP program, work with class of 2028 participants in Jamestown and Dunkirk to provide opportunities for academic success. For more information, contact Segrue at NicholeSegrue@mail.sunyjcc.edu, or 716.338.1422. To learn more about the national GEAR UP program, contact the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships at edpartnersips.org or 202.530.1135.