Creating a school-wide college-going culture, allowing students to explore college and career options, and providing awareness of postsecondary requirements are essential components of the GEAR UP Connecticut program. Early and regular exposure to these topics will increase student aspirations, enhance motivation to perform well academically, and improve a student’s college fit/match. GEAR UP students will be able to participate in a variety of college visits throughout Connecticut during the school year.
College Application and Enrollment refers to the knowledge and skills that enable students to successfully transition into post-secondary education. Students and families will know how to determine college fit, financial aid requirements (including how to complete a FAFSA), admission criteria and application processes. Students and families will have the resources they need to make informed decisions after graduation from high school.
The GEAR UP Meriden team includes several certified FAFSA coaches who are here to assist families in the completion of the FAFSA. We will work closely with you to ensure your student(s) receive the financial aid they deserve. The GEAR UP team is also available to help families complete the CSS profile.
Academic coaching provides students of all abilities additional academic support in all subject areas. Our tutors provide both one on one coaching as well as small group coaching. Sessions are provided throughout the academic day, with special events after school monthly. Coordinators and tutors also provide academic counseling at a variety of checkpoints throughout the semester.
Families play a fundamental role in their children's education and achievement of their educational objectives. GEAR UP offers a variety of family workshops and college & career exposure events open to all families in the program. Whether you're looking for strategies to save for your child's education or ways to encourage them as they prepare to leave home for college, GEAR UP Meriden is here to help. Meriden runs a bi-monthly FamilyLearning Community that covers a variety of topics, in addition to Positive Parenting Series where families are invited to share a meal and listen to a guest speaker.
The GEAR UP Meriden team works with their school community to provide a variety of resources and opportunities for students such as; Ball Headz Male Mentoring Program, college & career field trips, and student & parent workshops. Information on upcoming events can be found under the “News & Events” tab of this website.
GEAR UP Meriden summer programming is designed to help students improve their academic foundations, develop their interests to spark new passions, explore potential career paths, learn about college, and help build new skill sets for their future success. Summer program options range from high school transition programming to SEL learning and attending real life college courses. In the summer of 2024 students completed a 3-credit college course of their choice over five weeks. Due to the high demand and success of our summer programs, we will be continuing this service in the Summer of 2025. Check back in January for more information.
In partnership with Meriden Public Schools, GEAR UP Meriden has prioritized SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) programming to help students learn further to cope and deal with their stress and worries. While creating safe in-person and virtual learning environments for the students, staff present a variety of lessons on self-awareness, relationship skills, and growth mindset, to name a few, while building a supportive space to encourage discussion and an opportunity to practice these evolving skills. Academic support including homework assistance, college and career readiness advising and leadership opportunities are also provided during the after-school sessions to all GEAR UP students. Check out our events calendar for more information about GEAR UP after-school programming at your school!
