CARIBOU, Maine — The Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 GEAR UP Program announced their participation in National GEAR UP Week 2015. This week commemorates the continuing success of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a college access program providing students and families the support and resources they need for college success.
Since its inception in 1999, GEAR UP has improved educational outcomes for millions of students across the United States.
The RSU 39 program is celebrating the national event through a variety of activities. Special GEAR UP announcements will be read Monday through Friday at Limestone Community School, Caribou High School and Caribou Middle School. Throughout the week students in grades 7-12 in all three schools will be encouraged to sign an “I Dream and Plan Big!” banner listing their dream job.
On Thursday teachers will show pride in the schools they attended by wearing sweatshirts and T-shirts from their respective colleges and by telling students about their college experiences. Also on Thursday, seventh- and eighth-grade students will write their dreams and aspirations on helium-filled balloons for a mass release intended to encourage them to dream “sky high” about their futures.
“This is the first year for GEAR UP at RSU 39, and I am looking forward to providing students with many creative activities to foster their dreams and build aspirations of post-secondary experiences,” said Mark Jones, the director of GEAR UP.
“The College Access Team, consisting of students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, representatives from other college support programs, and I will be meeting monthly to develop a comprehensive plan to help every student develop the desire and have the opportunity to attend schooling beyond high school,” he added.
For more information about the Eastern Aroostook RSU39 GEAR UP Program, contact Jones at mjones@rsu39.org or call 493-3240.
To learn more about the national GEAR UP program, please contact the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships at 202-530-1135 or www.edpartnerships.org.
