The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa recently helped secure a $8.3 million grant for its GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Oʻahu program, a partnership aiming to boost college readiness.
This particular grant from the U.S. Department of Education will help about 1,600 seventh graders from four middle schools: Dole, Kalākaua, Wahiawā and Waipahu Intermediate.
“We visualize the support we provide to students in three key areas—Bridges, Backpacks and Beliefs,” said Edmond Lee, director at Gear UP Oʻahu. “Bridges: provide learning and advancement opportunities. Backpacks: supplies and essentials to help them on their journey. Beliefs: building mindsets and persistence to be successful in their chosen pathway.”
GEAR UP Oʻahu provides support to students for seven years from middle school through their first year of college. By offering a range of free resources, the program’s goal is to equip students with foundational skills and support to succeed academically.
Resources include:
- peer mentorship
- Early College credits
- career exploration
- college application assistance
- summer sessions
- college campus visits
GEAR UP alumni, cycle of support
GEAR UP graduates who are now in college return to mentor younger students. Many of the current mentors attended Waipahu, Leilehua, and Hilo High Schools, and bring with them first-hand experience that helps them relate to the program’s new generation of students.
The newly awarded grant is just one of 24, out of 118 national GEAR UP applicants. The Oʻahu-based program is a collaboration of 13 programs and offices at UH Mānoa, seven target schools and 10 educational and community partners.
