GEAR UP Des Moines

GEAR UP, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a national initiative whose mission is to significantly increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Des Moines Public Schools GEAR UP program provides support, encouragement and motivation to 1,500 ninth and tenth grade students and their families at the five comprehensive Des Moines high schools. Of these students, 72.5% qualify for free and reduced lunch. Beginning in the seventh grade, students are afforded opportunities to participate in exciting activities that prepare them to enter and succeed in college. Services provided include field trips, advising and academic support for students; workshops and informational sessions for parents; technology and instructional supply purchases for schools; and professional development for teachers.

Most GEAR UP students have been with the program since the 2006 – 2007 school year, when they were seventh graders at the eight GEAR UP middle schools in the area. As of the 2009 – 2010 school year, these students are in tenth grade. GEAR UP also works with roughly 160 ninth graders in these same schools; these students began with GEAR UP as seventh graders in 2007 – 2008.

By investing in the future of those students who would not otherwise pursue postsecondary education, GEAR UP Des Moines is helping the dream of "leaving no child behind" become a reality.

GEAR UP Des Moines Students in Action