Lancaster High School 8th graders take part in a National Program called GEAR UP
What is GEAR UP? Gear up is a National Program for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. This initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness of low-income students in communities nationwide. GEAR UP is a highly competitive grant program that helps empower local partnerships comprised of K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, state agencies, and community organizations to achieve three strategic goals: (1) increasing the postsecondary expectations and readiness of students; (2) improving high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates; and (3) raising the knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financing among students and families.
Currently, GEAR UP serves over 572,000 students enrolled in over 3,474 secondary schools across 43 states. To be eligible for GEAR UP, a minimum of 50% of a school’s student body must be enrolled in the federal free and reduced lunch program.
GEAR UP in Lancaster is currently serving the class of 2027 which are all the 8th graders at LHS. This will be the first full year of the grant initiative in Lancaster. GEAR UP engages students' for early awareness of educational opportunities, accelerates their readiness through supplemental programs like STEM initiatives, and expands the capacity of schools to create college going cultures.
Pictured LHS 8th graders left to right: Jack Griffin, Kamiyah Thomas, Danielle Wright, Nicholas Smith, DaNiyah Reese, DevonTrey Wright, Lily Russell, and Rory Lally