Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
(GEAR UP)

Mission Statement
The University of Michigan GEAR UP Program mission is to provide quality pre-college programming that is responsive and tailored to the needs, character, and desires of our designated partner schools. UM GEAR UP works together with schools to provide the school communities (students, families and school staff) with the best academic, social and personal skills related to college access and benefits. UM GEAR UP delivers this information in a variety of promotional and educational efforts by establishing partnerships with other institutions of similar missions.

Please see the GEAR UP Website for more information.

What is GEAR UP?
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor GEAR UP Program works in conjunction with four partner school communities in the metropolitan Detroit area: Thomas Cooley High School (Detroit), Highland Park High School (Highland Park), Romulus High School (Romulus), and University Preparatory Academy High School (Detroit) to provide an opportunity for underrepresented students to discover first hand, the potential of college education and to expose students to the information, knowledge and skills they need to complete high school and prepare themselves adequately for college success.

UM GEAR UP began working with the cohort when they were in 2006 in 7th grade and will follow them until high school graduation. Students will have the opportunity to participate in College Visits and our Summer Institute to tour the University of Michigan campus, engage and interact with current undergraduate and graduate students and experience workshops that focus on acquiring knowledge and skills that relate to academic, social and personal growth. GEAR UP places a high priority on addressing the needs of the whole student; therefore our program also works with parents and school staff around the issues of college preparation, financial aid, and professional and curriculum development.

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor GEAR UP Program replaces the previously successful K/C/P Program however our commitment to exposing students to the possibilities of higher education is the same.

Publications

2008-2009 GEAR UP End of Year Report (file size: 16.5MB)

Click here for more OAMI publications.