Success Story

• Lexus A. is an exceptional Sci-Tech High School student. Her commitment and drive to succeed is evident in her stellar grades and involvement in GEAR UP activities like college counseling, financial aid counseling, college fairs, and college essay writing workshops. Lexus has received eight acceptance letters from colleges across the United States. While Lexus is still determining what college she will be attending next fall, she is interested in obtaining a career in the medical field. She dreams of being a Registered Nurse or a Physician's Assistant. Even though she is not sure which career she would like to pursue, Lexus knows she wants to major in biology. Lexus - "I want to work in a hospital and help keep people healthy and happy."
  

Success Story

On Friday February 7th, 2014, five Harrisburg-GEAR UP seniors committed to colleges and universities across the country!
Pictured with Ms. LaTanya George, Harrisburg-GEAR UP Higher Education Transition Coordinator are:

• Carlos Balkcom - Lock Haven University
• Robert Martin - Rutgers University
• Jakodi McGraw - Cheyney University
• Janyle Davis - Cheyney University
• DeQuan Ware - Garden City College, Garden City, Kansas

News

• On November 13, 2013, Harrisburg GEAR UP organized and implemented a Family College Fair for both GEAR UP students and their parents. All 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities were in attendance and an additional six post-secondary institutions participated in the fair as well. Attendees were not limited only to universities, as representatives from Wells Fargo Bank, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and Harrisburg School District's own Student Improvement Grant were present to provide invaluable information and support. In total, 71 GEAR UP students and parents attended the event!
  

News

• On September 10, 2013, Harrisburg GEAR UP held its Fall 2013 College Fair in which 35 post-secondary institutions traveled to John Harris High School and spoke with GEAR UP students about their collegiate programs. In total, 166 GEAR UP students attended the College Fair and received a wealth of information! This fair was conducted through a partnership between Harrisburg GEAR UP and the Wesley Union AME Zion Church. The success of this event over the last two years and the strength of the partnership have led to a strong desire to sustain this event at John Harris High School, even after this cohort of GEAR UP students transition to college.
  
  

News

• On September 26, 2013, Harrisburg GEAR UP, in partnership with the PA State System of Higher Education and East Stroudsburg University, organized an "Instant Decision Day" for GEAR UP seniors. In total, nine GEAR UP students were admitted on the spot to East Stroudsburg University with partial or full scholarships, including the Board of Governors Scholarship, which is the prize scholarship for all state-supported institutions. ESU's Director of Admissions and Harrisburg GEAR UP found the day to be very memorable, as each student's excitement, compassion, and drive to attend college came through loud and clear as they received both their acceptance and their scholarship awards. It was a day filled with great joy, as the PA State GEAR UP Program was able to witness a milestone achievement in their six year commitment to providing student with awareness and readiness of undergraduate programs.
  
  

News

• On October 9, 2013, Harrisburg GEAR UP, in partnership with Harrisburg Area Community College [HACC], Kutztown University, PHEAA, and Wells Fargo Bank, held a Student Financial Aid Conference at HACC's Midtown Campus. Students participated in a variety of workshop-based activities, covering topics like financial literacy, scholarships/loans, and understanding the "lingo" of financial aid. The day's events also included the opportunity to hear from and meet with Kutztown University's Director of Financial Aid.