Gearing Up to Go to College
Earlier today, Secretary Duncan and Congressman Fattah headlined a live, national event that celebrated and encouraged the work of GEAR UP projects across the country. GEAR UP is a grant program that assists students in obtaining a secondary school diploma as well as preparing for and succeeding in postsecondary education.
The event was held at Friendship Public Charter School (FPCS) in Washington and included video and audio connections with GEAR UP projects in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Texas. The event was emceed by FPCS student Trayon Barber,
The event highlighted the work of the Pennsylvania GEAR UP project in the area of academic performance improvement, the North Carolina GEAR UP project’s use of data and the efforts of the Texas GEAR UP project to involve family in efforts to get students through high school and into college.
Secretary Duncan and Congressman Fattah said that they happy to hear that students in these GEAR UP programs were on track to graduate from high school and enroll in college. In particular, Congressman Fattah spoke out in favor of early college efforts that offer high school students the chance to earn college credits while still in high school. Secretary Duncan noted that “without a college education, many doors will be closed to you. With a college education, you can pursue your passion.”
When Secretary Duncan asked the students at FPCS if they planned to go to college, they all raised their hands.
ED Staff
