"What is GEAR UP?” you may ask. GEAR UP is a state funded grant that was issued to Graham County Schools this past year. GEAR UP is a six-year grant that encourages you to graduate high school and pursue and postsecondary education. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The GEAR UP state grant is currently being served in 20 counties across North Carolina and the GEAR UP Partnership grant is being served in 11 counties.

“How can GEAR UP help me?” GEAR UP is designed to offer programs and activities to students and their parent/guardians including College Visits, Tutoring, Summer Programs, Career Awareness, Academic Counseling, College Advising, Financial Aid Workshops as well as Professional Development for teachers.

“How can I become a GEAR UP student?” If you are currently enrolled as a 7th or 8th grade student at Robbinsville Middle School you are already in the GEAR UP program. The rest is up to you as far as dedicating yourself to our studies and participating in what GEAR UP has to offer.

Have more questions or would like to know more? Stop by Room 315 in the Middle School and talk with Alicia Sama, GEAR UP Coordinator.

• RHS & RMS GEAR UP WEBSITE
• COLLEGE FOUNDATION OF NC