GEAR UP is Building a College-Going Culture at Granite
Over 900 students and families came together for Granite School District’s GEAR UP Family Kick-Off Event on Sept. 1 at Taylorsville High School. The event included six high schools from Grant Four, bringing families together to support a college-going culture as students start their junior year.
Collaboration was a key as colleges, universities, and other educational partners came together.
The Kick-Off Event connected GEAR UP students and families in a common interest, supporting a college-going culture.
Over 900 people attended Granite School District’s first ever GEAR UP Family Kick-Off Event.
GEAR UP Family Kick-Off Event was the perfect start to a year filled with ongoing support for students and families as they work to achieve their goals to graduate from high school and continue their education.
Granite School District's College and Career Readiness Director, Judy Petersen was impressed by attendance and said “So many families are here and are reading the information given out to them. They are interested and engaged.”
"GEAR UP! has been serving the graduating class of 2024 since they were in 7th grade,” said Jesika Cooper, Cyprus High School. Now in 11th grade, these “students around Granite School District came for financial aid information, to meet with college access advisors, and to prepare for their future! We are so proud of our GEAR UP! scholars and cannot wait for them to graduate and go on to a fulfilling life."
Collaboration was a key component of the event with colleges and universities throughout the state in attendance, along with financial aid resources, the Utah National Guard, and other educational partners. Shuttle buses brought students to Taylorsville High School where everyone enjoyed Chick-Fil-A, Aggie Ice Cream, pretzels and popcorn as well as entertainment from participating high schools.
"College reps approached me and told me how much they loved attending,” said Bethany Mendoza, Kearns High School. “UVU, in particular, expressed their gratitude and praised GEAR UP for their work and how we were able to reach so many students from diverse backgrounds who genuinely became excited about their future."
The GEAR UP staff talked about how impressed they were with the students and families. "I had so many meaningful conversations with parents and students who were surprised and pleased with GEAR UP's mission statement and purpose,” said Laura Guevara, Taylorsville High School. “They were most excited for Tutor.com and our upcoming college trips."
Research shows that family engagement improves outcomes for students. This event connected students and families in a common interest - planning for the future. Family expectations are connected with students having higher grades and test scores, regular attendance in school, better social skills, and improved behavior.
Families were clearly present and engaged. As one GEAR UP parent said, “It’s great to see all of the colleges and be able to talk to them about the things we need to learn to help us make our decision.” Another parent added ““The GEAR UP KICK OFF really got my son thinking about his future. After visiting all the college booths my GEAR UP student left with a new perspective and endless possibilities.”
GEAR UP in the Granite School District is part of the Utah State University STARS! GEAR UP partnership program, administered by the Center for the School of the Future and the School of Teacher Education & Leadership in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU. GEAR UP is a national, federally-funded college access grant program that is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.