Dear Newport Middle School Community:
We are pleased to inform you that your 7th or 8th grader at Newport Middle High School is a GEAR UP New Hampshire student who is automatically enrolled in the federal GEAR UP grant program. The program, starting this school year, will follow your student through their high school graduation! In addition to the many services this grant provides, participating students may be eligible for a Federally Funded GEAR UP Scholarship to a New Hampshire college or university.
What makes GEAR UP so special?
GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a free federal grant program that helps students succeed in school. It helps caregivers and students learn about different pathways for education and careers after high school, and how to start planning for their future. GEAR UP believes that every student should have the opportunity to advance their education, take classes that will set them up for success, and stay in school through graduation. Taking a holistic and long-term support approach, GEAR UP believes that planning future success should begin with students and caregivers in 7th grade and continue through 12th grade. Of note, students who attend college in New Hampshire after their high school graduation will continue to receive GEAR UP New Hampshire services through their first year of college.
What kinds of services does GEAR UP provide?
GEAR UP New Hampshire aims to empower students and their caregivers by fostering success through college and career readiness services. Activities and services to be implemented that will meet this goal include: academic support; expanded out-of-school time and summer programming; career and college readiness club time; caregiver engagement/outreach programing to highlight college and financial aid awareness; financial literacy workshops; college and trade school visits; providing internships, apprenticeships and career exploration activities with a focus on in demand industry sectors; promoting dual credit coursework; increasing enrollment in AP courses; providing college application and FAFSA support, and postsecondary transition supports.
An exciting benefit for your student’s school is that there will be a full-time staff person in the school who will focus on GEAR UP’s college and career readiness and lead the services outlined above. The College and Career Navigator is a multi-year resource for you and for your student and they will work in partnership with the local community to provide access to additional resources. Your student’s Navigator is Meghan Merritt Schaffer and be contacted via email at mschaffer@sau43.org.
What are the benefits of GEAR UP?
GEAR UP began in 1999 and has had remarkable results, including enhanced connectedness and support, improved student grades and attendance, higher test scores, increased enrollment in courses that prepare students for college, lower high school drop-out rates and increased college enrollment rates.
How can caregivers be involved in GEAR UP?
According to experts, when caregivers engage in their student’s education, the student’s grades, attendance, and behavior improve. In short, when caregivers encourage learning, their student is more successful. You will receive regular communication from your student’s Navigator, which will include details about our monthly caregiver events. Please join us!
This is just the beginning of the GEAR UP journey for you and your student. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event and welcoming you to GEAR UP New Hampshire.
Sincerely,
The GEAR UP New Hampshire Team