St. John’s University received GEAR UP grants in September 1999
(funded by the U.S. Department of Education) and September 2000
(the New York “College for Me” GEAR UP partnership grant, funded by
the State Department of Education). Working with students at Oliver
Wendell Holmes Middle School (I.S. 204) and Albert Shanker School
(I.S. 126), St. John’s University’s GEAR UP provided each school
with mentors, in addition to establishing an after school program.
Students are exposed to college events and activities through field
trips to St. John’s University.
As students entered Long Island City High School and 42 other
high schools throughout New York City, GEAR UP continued to
encourage students that with hard work and good grades, college is
a viable option for all.
St. John’s University has continued to work with GEAR UP
students, parents and teachers by providing them with workshops,
technology training and summer institutes. Furthermore, St. John’s
University has given away computers to assist the development of
GEAR UP students. GEAR UP keeps in contact with our entire cohort
by using a number of methods. For example, GEAR UP staff maintains
communication with students through their e-mail accounts that were
established through the New York
mentor program.
University Goals
- Improve students’ personal achievement goals
- Increase attendance
- Advance student knowledge about careers through a career
counselor
- Provide help in passing Regents Exams
- Improve students’ SAT scores
- Furnish help in completing college applications and financial
aid forms
- Supply e-mentors from college students and post-college
volunteers in fields that match students’ career interests
- Provide professional development in various fields including
technology, learning standards and the college admissions
process
- Enroll at least 70% of the GEAR UP scholars in a two-year or
four-year undergraduate program in 2005