There is good news for New Jersey students who want to get a jump on college.
Late last month, the state’s already successful GEAR UP initiative – officially known as Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs – added three new partner institutions to its 25-year-old college readiness program for students in grades seven through 12.
Rutgers, Kean University and Brookdale Community College are now part of a free program paid for with a seven-year, $35 million federal grant awarded to the state in 1999, 2005, 2011 and 2019 by the U.S. Department of Education. It is administered by the state’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), according to a release from the latter.
“Education is a critical tool for building a stronger and fairer economy in New Jersey,” Gov. Phil Murphy said of GEAR UP in 2019, when that year’s grant funds were awarded. “While New Jersey’s K-12 education system leads the nation, higher education remains out of reach for too many residents.
“In New Jersey, we’re working to close gaps and expand opportunity through innovative partnerships between the state, school districts and higher education,” he added. “The New Jersey GEAR UP grant will help us continue to build these strong partnerships and develop the state’s talent pipelines.”
GEAR UP has helped more than 2,000 students in 81 schools graduate from high school and prepare for college by offering after-school and Saturday tutoring, six-week summer programming, mentoring, academic counseling, test preparation, information sessions about financial aid, college visits and other support.
For the 2022-23 academic year, 96% of participating students in the program graduated from high school, with 79% enrolling in college, according to OSHE. Parents and teachers benefit as well. Families receive early information about post-secondary education options and the availability of financial aid, while teachers, counselors and administrators receive professional development in core content areas such as algebra and chemistry.
NJ GEAR UP students are also eligible for the state’s Education Opportunity Fund, which assists low-income students who are capable and motivated but lack adequate preparation for college study. A state financial aid agency, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, also partners with GEAR UP to provide information on paying for college.
“The GEAR UP grant plays an important role in educating and engaging students and families about their higher-education options in New Jersey, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to these opportunities,” noted Brian Bridges, the state’s secretary of higher education.
The expansion of three colleges adds to a long list of institutions that are already part of the GEAR UP network, including Rowan College of South Jersey in Cumberland County, Rowan University in Camden and Stockton University.
To participate, students complete an application, attend an interview with a GEAR UP staff member and submit their most recent report card and statewide test scores. For more information about GEAR UP, visit
https://www.state.nj.us/highereducation/gearup/index.shtml.
“We’re optimistic about future investments,” Bridges added of GEAR UP, “to ensure students from underrepresented backgrounds continue to realize their potential through post-secondary paths.”
