GEAR UP is in it's third (3rd) year with the Renton School District, and although COVID 19 closures in March 2020 slowed things down and made it impossible to begin the school year in person, GEAR UP has had quite the impact on our students!
Last year, over 1000 students received GEAR UP services, utilizing the after-school tutoring program, enrolling in the AVID Elective Course, and participating in various GEAR UP clubs and office hours events. Over 250 students were able to explore local 2 and 4 year college campus, and were able to explore campuses like the University of California-Berkeley, the University of Wyoming, Stanford University, and the Airforce Academy through our virtual tours experience. Approximately 500 students were able to meet with various industry professionals and learn about different careers that interested them. GEAR UP was also able to connect with almost 500 families to talk about high school success, college preparation and career exploration!
"GEAR UP is great because it helps me be organized."-Kailee Dumas, MMS
"GEAR UP is great because we get to make connect among our different classes and think more deeply about the purpose of school."- Derek Smith, MMS, AVID Teacher
"GEAR UP is great because we get to go to field trips to colleges and universities and we get a head start on learning about all the good stuff we will need to know..." Mir Tap, DMS
"I enjoy GEAR UP because in AVID I have a sense of community and in AVID it feels like I get to take a break from school in a class."- Aidan Hasting, LHS 9th grader
GEAR UP is great because last year, I was struggling to keep up in my class and pay close attention to what the teacher was saying and so, with GEAR UP and AVID I have learned how to be able to tell myself to pay attention. Also, in AVID, I have been able to have extra time at school to do my work which has been super helpful. So thank you very much for having this program!-Neveah Collins, LHS 9th grader
Gear Up is great because of Avid. Without the Gear Up program I wouldn't have been able to learn how to take specific notes, email my teachers formally, and ask different level questions."-Brenda Sanchez-Vazquez, LHS 9th grader
"I think GEAR UP is great because it helps students with education and with hard work and dedication, students can go to college and succeed."- Zoey Ma, LHS 9th grader