What is GEAR UP?
GEAR UP is a grant-funded program through the U.S. Department of Education that stands
for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.”
MVCC GEAR UP focuses on preparing students for college and the workplace by teaching
them such skills as critical thinking; communication; information, technology, and
media literacy; initiative; and productivity. The program provides services to all
current 2024 Rome Free Academy graduates attending MVCC, as well as 12th-grade students
in the Rome City School District and follows them through high school graduation and
their first year of college.
GEAR UP commitment:
GEAR UP strives to ensure all students are academically, socially, and financially prepared to enter and complete the postsecondary program or institution of their choice. We believe that young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of entering college and completing their degrees.
GEAR UP objectives:
- Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education
- Increase high school graduation and postsecondary participation rates
- Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and finances
GEAR UP services:
- Mentoring
- Tutoring
- Cultural enrichment
- Financial aid information
- College and career planning
- Parental support groups
- STEM enrichment
- College visits and educational field trips
- Community service opportunities
Connect
Meet the GEAR UP Team
Todd Kubica
GEAR UP Director
tkubica@mvcc.edu | 315-731-5827
Office Location
Plumley Complex 121I, MVCC Rome Campus
1101 Floyd Avenue
Service Locations
Rome Free Academy, Room 1612