Students ‘GEAR UP’ for college success

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Hundreds of Rutland High School students are preparing for positive change in their education through the ‘GEAR UP: Create Your Future’ program.

The goal is for teachers and the Bibb County School District to provide materials and resources that prepare each student for higher education.

Students practice the ACT/SAT, attend college fairs and talk with former students who share prior or current college and career experience.

According to a news release, since 1999-the start of GEAR UP-there has been an increase in educational outcomes for millions of students.

This program served more than 3,800 students in Bibb County.

Dr. Janice Flowers suggests students who have participated in GEAR UP before “pay it forward.”

“Not only for our students, but for our communities and their families. They’re coming back, they’re giving back to us and it improves the workers that we have inside,” Flowers adds, “The workers that we have available in our community to help build our industry and to help build community support.”

Events planned for National GEAR UP Week 2015 are: 

Monday:

• GEAR UP Week Celebration Kick-Off at Rutland High School 
• Releasing Our Dreams (balloon release) at Southwest High School 

Tuesday: 

• College Fair during lunch at Central High School

Wednesday: 

• College Fair during lunch at Westside High School
• The Mentor’s Project will sponsor “Young Men and Women on the Brink of Success” in Burden Parlor at Wesleyan College

Thursday: 

• College Fair during lunch at Northeast High School

Friday: 

• “Creating Your Future, Now!” with mMiss Macon at Southwest High School 
• College GEAR Day

Saturday: 

• SAT/ACT Prep Workshop at Wesleyan College
• GEAR UP ACT Prep Workshop 

For more information, contact (478) 765-8537.