What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP is a federal grant administered through the U.S. Department of Education and Washington State University. The Clarkston School District was chosen to receive the GEAR UP grant to provide educational services to all Clarkston students. To be eligible, students must be in the graduating classes of 2012, 2013, or 2014. This grant will follow your student through high school, until they graduate.

What does GEAR UP stand for?

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

How does GEAR UP help my student?

GEAR UP provides a variety of educational services to your student, including tutoring and insight of all post-secondary education options. Since GEAR UP started in 2006 with the Clarkston School District, staff and tutors have provided the following services to students.

~ In-class tutoring as well as before and after school tutoring in the

GEAR UP Study Center at Lincoln Middle School

~ Night tutoring in the Satellite Study Center, located at Grantham

Elementary

~ Morning and afternoon tutoring opportunities at Clarkston High School

~ Evening tutoring events held bi-weekly at Clarkston High School and

monthly at Lincoln Middle School

~ New computers for the study centers at Lincoln Middle School and

Grantham Elementary

~ Mobile lab at Lincoln Middle School equipped with 28 laptops and

wireless internet

~ Purchase of hands-on learning materials for math and science classes

~ College campus visits to Lewis-Clark State College, Walla-Walla

Community College, Washington State University, and University of Idaho

~ Motivational assembly by world-famous Shannon Pickard

~ Summer programs including Project WILD, Literacy Adventure, and

Engineering Challenge

~ Family nights with variety of topics including Math, Science, and

Games

What does GEAR UP offer for parents?

GEAR UP provides parents with resources and tools to help their children achieve their post-secondary schooling dreams. GEAR UP staff stay current on available scholarships and schooling options for students. GEAR UP will host parent nights to inform parents of student options and opportunities. Parents are also welcome to utilize the Grantham Satellite Study Center as means of having access to a computer and the internet. Suggestions and comments made by parents are always welcome and appreciated.

Who do I contact about GEAR UP?

Pat Sobotta is Clarkston’s GEAR UP Site Director. He has offices at both Lincoln Middle School and Clarkston High School. He can be easily reached by phone, fax, or email.

Phone: 509-769-6353

Fax: 509-758-7838

Email: sobottap@csdk12.org

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College Bound Scholarship

• Submit a College Bound application during seventh or eight grade year.

• Graduate from a Washington high school and apply for admission at an eligible Washington college or university.

• Maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.

• Meet the family income requirements at time of graduation

• Not be convicted of a felony throughout middle and high school

• Be a Washington resident
  

• Visit http://www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound
• See GEAR UP's Parent Letter below
• Contact any GEAR UP staff member