GEAR UP and Gear Up (GEAR UP Georgia) 

Program Overview

GEAR Up and Gear Up (GEAR UP Georgia) Georgia Programs at Savannah State University includes two programs that work in collaboration with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS).  GEAR UP are discretionary grant programs designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.  GEAR UP provides six (seven-year) grants to states and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools.  GEAR UP serves a cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follows the cohort through high school and into their first year of post-secondary education.

GEAR UP is unique from other federal pre-college programs because it requires in-kind commitment from local community partners. GEAR UP's primary partners include Savannah State University, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Parent University, St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital, Explore Colleges and State Farm.

Program Goals

• Increase participant's academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education.
• Increase the high school graduation rate and enrollment of participants into a post-secondary institution.
• Increase participants' and their families' knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation, and financing.

Eligibility

• Students in the grade levels served at partnering school site.

Services

• Personal/Social Counseling
• Academic Advisement
• Mentoring
• Tutoring
• Study Skills
• Test-Taking Skills
• Educational/Career and Cultural Activities
• College and Technical School Visits
• Financial Aid Assistance
• Sensational Saturday Sessions
• SAT/ACT/GHSGT Test Preparation
• Assistance with College Applications
• Professional Development for Teachers
• Summer Programs
• Fee Waivers for SAT/ACT and College Application