GEAR Up initiative puts students on path to college

A group of middle school students from Ypsilanti Community Schools traveled to Davenport University’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus on Saturday for a tour, but it was no ordinary college visit. The middle schoolers came to Davenport as part of a college-readiness initiative aimed at increasing the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative is helping open doors to higher education for middle school students in high-need communities across Michigan. Through a seven-year commitment to strengthening college readiness and supporting long-term academic success, the program aims to put more students on a path toward college.

The Mid-Michigan GEAR Up (MMGU) project was made possible by a $10 million grant awarded to Davenport by the U.S. Department of Education. It follows a cohort of students through middle school, high school and one year after graduation, providing academic, college and career preparation assistance. Currently, 1,791 students in the Lansing School District, Muskegon Heights Academy, and Ypsilanti Community Schools participate in MMGU.

The program includes academic and enrichment activities, such as after-school robotics and AI programs; STEM, health, business, arts, and technology summer camps; career exploration activities and on-site college campus visits.

Once on Davenport’s campus, students gathered to hear from Interim President Anthony Anderson.

“I know Middle school might seem a little early to think about college, but it is the perfect time to start exploring. Maybe you have absolutely no idea what you’d like to study in college, and that’s perfectly okay,” said Anderson. “That’s one of the reasons GEAR UP is so great. Over the next several years, you’re going to visit colleges, explore careers, meet new people and discover possibilities you didn’t know existed. Davenport is part of that journey with you today, and we’ll be here for you in the future.” 

According to Jon Blackburn, director of MMGU at Davenport, starting the career thought process in middle school helps students stay on track academically, build confidence and leadership skills, explore college and career options, and ultimately graduate high school prepared for postsecondary education. “College visits provide meaningful opportunities for these students to explore higher education and envision their future,” he said. “For many students, especially those who may be the first in their families to attend college, visiting Davenport’s campus, eating in the dining hall and watching a Panther’s football game can make the idea of going to college feel more realistic and achievable.”

Blackburn said he and others involved in the program are committed to ensuring that every student in the cohort graduates high school ready for college, a career and long-term success. “Students who successfully complete program expectations and graduate from high school will be eligible for direct admission to Davenport University, creating a clear and supported pathway to continue their education after high school,” he said.

Charles A. Davis Jr., principal of Ypsilanti Community Middle School, said students were excited about the Davenport visit and that he is encouraged by the support and opportunities GEAR UP provides.

“Scholars need opportunities to see what is possible beyond middle and high school,” Davis said. “The GEAR UP program combines academic support, career exploration and college experiences to help students understand their options and the steps needed to pursue them. At Ypsilanti Community Middle School, our goal is to give scholars access to as many postsecondary opportunities as possible so they can make informed choices about their futures. These experiences, especially the college visits, make college feel more tangible and give scholars something meaningful to look forward to as they explore their futures.”

The program provides dedicated graduation coaches in each district who help students set academic goals, plan high school coursework, explore college and career pathways, and more.

“Our GEAR UP graduation coach has already met individually with every seventh- and eighth-grade scholar, completed individualized education plans and personally monitored participants’ grades throughout the first quarter,” said Davis. “That personal attention helps our scholars connect their daily school efforts to their future goals.”

According to Davis, the program is already bearing fruit. “We are seeing encouraging signs of engagement and excitement,” he said. “We are proud that 49% of our scholars earned Honor Roll recognition this quarter, an achievement that reflects the hard work of our scholars and the support of teachers, families, and staff. GEAR UP adds another valuable layer of encouragement, academic monitoring and guidance. I often say, Scholars seldom become what they don’t see. GEAR UP helps us expand what our scholars can see, experience and imagine for themselves. We want every scholar to know they have options and people who will help them prepare to pursue those options. We are grateful for this partnership and excited about the opportunities ahead.”