Background

The Philadelphia GEAR UP Network is a federally funded partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. GEAR UP's goal is to ensure that students have the resources and knowledge they need to access and succeed in college. The Gear Up Network serves students and families in the following eight high schools; West Philadelphia, Overbrook, University City, Ben Franklin, William Penn, Edison, Sayre and Kensington.

Core Components

The purpose of GEAR UP is to create a college going culture (college as a given and preparation as an expectation for all students) beginning in the middle grades and continuing to Philadelphia's comprehensive high schools. The goal is to increase the number of students accepted to college without the need for remediation.

Historically in many urban schools, college preparation begins in high school with a selected group of students. This grant provides opportunity for schools, families and community based organizations to partner in preparing students for college.

This is accomplished by:
- Enhancing Academic Supports.
    - Provide an array of tutorial supports in and out of school
- Enhancing Academic Awareness.
    - Provide students with experiences on college campuses and other college/career awareness interventions.
    - Increase number of students taking SAT/PSAT
    - Increase number of students submitting at least one college application
- Enhancing family and community involvement.
    - Develop home/school relationships, which support academic achievement and college awareness.
    - Increase the ability and desire of families to participate in the college admission and financial aid process