Foothill Middle School has received a planning grant from California GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). GEAR UP is a federally funded, state-administered program to create a self-sustaining college-going culture by working with whole schools through the adults that have the greatest impact in student life and experience: the principals, teachers, counselors, families and community leaders.

Through this funding and support, California GEAR-UP would provide services to assist Foothill in developing rigorous academic instruction, parent involvement in supporting aspirations of higher learning, and instruction in A-G college requirements and financial aid. Middle schools selected by GEAR UP receive a five-year grant totaling up to $7500 to fund professional development activities unique to each school’s staff needs. Winners will be announced by June 2012.

Research and experience teach us that we can overcome these challenges by implementing timely interventions designed to transform at-risk students into college-bound students. GEAR UP partnerships implement student, school, and community level interventions to reshape the college preparatory experience. The goals of these interventions are to:

• Improve the academic achievement of GEAR UP students.
• Raise the academic aspirations of students, families, and community.
• Increase awareness of higher education options and the enrollment processes.