Richard Bob never dreamed he would get to experience college life. The Coconino High School senior was failing school as a freshman and his family couldn't afford college. But through a highly successful dropout-prevention program, Bob spent his summer at Yavapai College living in a dorm, eating in the student union and taking college prep classes.

This summer enrichment program is one way GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is helping to significantly increase the number of students from low-income families who stay in school, graduate and enter college prepared for success.

By participating in GEAR UP, students like Bob have an opportunity to picture themselves going to college and to develop the skills needed to excel.

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The program targets entire classes of students as they start seventh-grade and follows them through graduation. A virtual safety net is created for students and parents with tutoring, career fairs, college visits, job shadowing and parent workshops.

"A core principle of GEAR UP is the value placed on high expectations and increased academic rigor for all students," said Teena Olszewski, director of NAU GEAR UP. "In today's high-tech, global economy, challenging courses during high school are essential for jobs or higher education after graduation."

GEAR UP began as a national initiative in 1999 and is now in 47 states. It consists of partnerships between higher education institutions and school districts with areas of significant need. Sixty-five percent of NAU GEAR UP students are minorities and all come from high-poverty schools. With funding from a federal grant, NAU administers the program in Arizona for more than 4,350 students at 12 sites throughout the state.

"NAU has been proud to partner with school districts across Arizona to prepare students for success beyond high school," NAU President John D. Haeger said. "Today, we look at the progress of all our GEAR UP students and know that, together, we have made a powerful difference."

This spring, NAU will award $10 million in scholarships to 600 GEAR UP students to help send them to college.

To find out more about GEAR UP call Teena Olszewski at (602) 776-4616.



Carol Peck is president and CEO of the Rodel Foundation of Arizona. Send your questions and ideas to her at rodel@rodelfoundations.org.