Leveraging the success of the GEAR UP Manchester initiative, the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance is launching a new grant aimed at preparing and empowering more New Hampshire students to excel in high school and beyond. Under this latest grant, the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance will expand its services to approximately 4,000 students in fifteen middle schools across twelve districts statewide. The GEAR UP approach utilizes a cohort model that begins in middle school and continues through high school, guiding students as they navigate their post-secondary options and explore career aspirations.

GEAR UP is a federal program funded through the U.S. Department of Education that stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. This is the second statewide GEAR UP grant through The New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance, a partnership between the New Hampshire College & University Council and Campus Compact for New Hampshire.

Stephanie Lesperance, Chief Strategy Officer at Campus Compact for New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire College & University Council, looks forward to celebrating GEAR UP’s 25th anniversary with the addition of six new schools benefitting from GEAR UP programming for the first time. Lesperance stated, “GEAR UP has a proven record of enhancing student success and supporting youth in achieving their personal and academic objectives. Our team is eager to expand our outreach and resources to more students statewide.”

The New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance is proudly participating in National GEAR UP Week 2024, an annual celebration held the third week in September to build awareness and support throughout communities about GEAR UP programming. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu recognized the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance’s efforts and proclaimed September 23-27, 2024, as GEAR UP Week in the State of New Hampshire.

Nicole Shedd, Project Director of GEAR UP New Hampshire, highlighted the grant’s positive impact on providing resources to the state’s most vulnerable students. Shedd emphasized, “By accompanying a cohort of students over six or seven years, we are committed to narrowing equity gaps through a comprehensive program that fosters a college-going culture within schools.”

Each GEAR UP-participating school has a GEAR UP Navigator, serving as an on-site resource crucial in guiding students on their educational paths. Navigators coordinate student-focused activities, including college tours, career explorations, conferences, and workshops throughout New Hampshire and New England.

Marissa Taylor, a recent GEAR UP Manchester graduate from the Class of 2024, credited her participation in the program for nurturing her interest in higher education and pursuing a degree in psychology. Taylor stated, “Participating in various college trips, tours, and different programs through GEAR UP kept me focused on my college goals and gave me the chance to form new relationships and connections with mentors and peers.”

GEAR UP collaborates closely with schools, community partners, and caregivers to broaden students’ horizons, providing essential resources and guidance as they explore post-secondary opportunities and pathways. The program offers valuable support and counseling to assist students in navigating their post-high school journeys, whether pursuing further education, entering the military, or securing meaningful employment. Graduates opting for a post-secondary education in New Hampshire will be eligible for GEAR UP scholarships and services extending through their crucial first year of college.

The New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance is dedicated to forging extensive partnerships with educational stakeholders and community collaborators to bolster the success of all students. For more information about the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance, please visit nhgearupalliance.org.