Maine State GEAR UP

1. Maine State GEAR UP Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)

3. What is GEAR UP? GEAR UP is a U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, discretionary grant program It provides multi-year grants to States and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools.

4. GEAR UP 43 states and territories have received state GEAR UP grants since 1999. Maine has two funded GEAR UP projects:

5. Maine’s Current GEAR UP grants: The Maine State GEAR UP project is based at the Maine Department of Education and administered by the Maine Support Network (2005-2011). This is the only Maine GEAR UP grant with a scholarship component. The Dirigo Partnership project is based at the University of Maine at Farmington and works with three western Maine school districts.

6. Maine State GEAR UP Administrative Structure Maine Department of Education Project Director: David Stockford Grants Management: Tom Coulombe and Dawn Kliphan Maine Support Network Project Co-Directors: Kathryn Markovchick, Pam Flood and Debbie Gilmer Project Coordinator: Emily Liebling

7. Maine State GEAR UP Project Goal The Project will leverage Maine’s advanced technological infrastructure to create a sustainable program that supports students who are economically disadvantaged in preparing for, accessing, and succeeding in postsecondary education.

9. Maine State GEAR UP Project Objectives To integrate the GEAR UP program into Maine’s existing education infrastructure To increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of participating students 3. To increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of participating students

10. Maine State GEAR UP Project Objectives Cont. 4. To increase educational expectations for participating students and student and family knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing 5. To anchor the use of Maine’s Learning Technology Initiative and distance learning networks into the GEAR UP program strategies and activities

12. Partnerships GEAR UP is unique from other initiatives: the program employs partnerships committed to serving and accelerating the academic achievement of participating students through their high school graduation

14. Maine State GEAR UP Partners Maine Department of Education Maine Parent Federation Maine Support Network Maine Transition Network MaineCITE Coordinating Center MELMAC Education Foundation Mitchell Institute TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers University of Maine System 19 Maine school districts ALLTech Bernstein Shur Government Solutions The Center for Educational Transformation College for ME Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) Maine Community College System Maine Community College System Center for Career Development

16. Regional Support Regional Technical Assistance Coordinators Contracted by Maine Support Network to provide regional support to districts Coordinate resources with Maine Parent Federation’s regional parent coordinators Professional development and other activities designed to assist districts in implementing their GEAR UP plans Identify and leverage community, state, and national resources to support the implementation of the GEAR UP goals (e.g. professional development, identification of grants, and college-going opportunities)

17. There are 47 participating schools in the Maine State GEAR UP Program

18. Location of GEAR UP Schools

19. A total of …. 2,957 Maine students have chosen to participate from these schools

20. Maine State GEAR UP Middle Schools King Middle School Lawrence Junior High School Lubec Consolidated School Madison Junior High School Milbridge Elementary School Mount Jefferson Junior High Mountain View School Peninsula CSD School Phillips Elementary School Piscataquis Community Middle School Rose M Gaffney School So Aroostook CSD School Stratton Elementary School Strong Elementary School Athens Elementary School Beatrice Rafferty School Carrabec Community School Cherryfield Elementary Columbia Falls Elementary Daniel W Merritt School East Grand School Eastport Elementary School Ella Lewis School Harrington Elementary School Helen S Dunn Elementary School Hodgdon Elementary School Indian Township School Jonesboro Elementary School Jonesport Elementary School

22. Maine State GEAR UP High Schools Old Town High School Piscataquis Community High School Portland High School Shead High School So Aroostook CSD School Sumner High School Woodland High School Calais High School Carrabec High School Deering High School East Grand School Hodgdon High School Jonesport-Beals High School Lawrence High School Lee Academy Lubec Consolidated School Machias Memorial High School Madison High School Mt Abram Regional High School Narraguagus High School

24. Maine State GEAR UP Participating Districts Have comprehensive plans to support the creation of a college-going culture for all students Have an on-site liaison to oversee the implementation of GEAR UP activities Have a commitment to creating a sustainable and rigorous school culture that promotes high aspirations for all students

26. Benefits for GEAR UP Participating Schools: Supporting the development of a college-going culture for all students Supporting the use of technology to increase the number and variety of college preparatory courses Professional development for educators (e.g. differentiated instruction, SAT preparation, infusing technology into classroom practice) Identification and leveraging of community, state, and national resources to support a college-going culture

28. Benefits for GEAR UP Participating Students” Scholarships for GU students who complete college-going requirements and meet financial eligibility (as determined on the FAFSA) Early and on-going college planning Increased access to rigorous courses, including AP and college courses Participation in schools that promote high aspirations for all students Participation in schools that facilitate student engagement and achievement in a supportive learning environment Assistance in completing college applications and the FAFSA Access to mentoring or e-mentoring programs Support for parents to remain actively involved in their child’s education

29. Benefits for Parents of a GEAR UP Participating Student: Access to a variety resources to support their child in college planning (financial and academic) Access to a variety of parent educational opportunities (e.g. helping with homework, completing the FAFSA, creating a reading environment in the home, and understanding the college application process) Support for parents to remain actively involved in their child’s education

30. Letter from a GEAR UP Student “I am writing to let you know how my spring semester went. As you
know I graduated a semester early and went to Kennebec Valley
Community College. With the help from GEAR UP I didn't have any out of
pocket cost and I was able to use left-over money to buy a new
computer and printer to continue my education at the University of
Southern Maine. I will be going into my freshman year there with a
3.7 GPA which I would never have been able to do without the help of
GEAR UP. I would also like to suggest that the GEAR UP students be
able to give back to the program someday! Thank you so much for all
the help!”

31. Quotes from GEAR UP Parents “The 6th grade college visits are opening doors never even thought about before.” "I'd like to help with the program in any way.  My son benefits greatly from the program and I am extremely grateful." "I have a son in college now and GEAR UP helped immensely.  I can't say enough good things about GEAR UP."

33. Quotes from a guidance counselor at a GEAR UP School “The changes over the past 5 years are pretty dramatic. Never before have we had a focus on college-going for all students - it was only for a few. And GEAR UP has contributed to this.”

35. Quotes from a Maine State GEAR UP Liaison: “I am so glad that I have the opportunity to be an influence on these children. My mission started 4 years ago when I returned to college. I wanted to come back to my roots and help the children in my area to realize they are not stuck here. That they can make a difference and by doing so they have to challenge themselves and become educated. With education they can improve their own lives, and in return better our community.”

37. Student FAQs How do I know if I'm a GEAR UP student? Eligible students are enrolled in 7th grade and should have signed (with their parents) a student compact (updated in 2006). Beginning in the Fall 2006, all GEAR UP students will complete an annual plan. If you are uncertain of your status and you attend a GEAR UP school, please contact your school's GEAR UP Liaison. A complete list of schools, liaisons, and contact information can be found on our website: www.gearupme.org 2. Can I become a GEAR UP student if I'm not already in the program? No, we can no longer enroll students into the program. Since our grant ends in 2011, we are following our last 7th grade class (who are now 8th graders) up through graduation. We hope to be able to support all students with information and resources, but they will not be eligible for the scholarship unless they are already GEAR UP students. 3. How can students with special needs benefit from participation in the GEAR UP Program? Students with special needs and disabilities benefit greatly from access to a rigorous curriculum and high aspirations. Far fewer students with disabilities enroll in college than their peers without disabilities; GEAR UP activities and opportunities and high aspirations likely will increase the likelihood that they will be prepared for and interested in post secondary education. For more FAQs and information, please visit our website: www.gearupme.org

38. Parent FAQs What is the relationship between GEAR UP and the Maine Parent Federation? The Maine Parent Federation (MPF) is one of the major partners in the GEAR UP grant. They are available as a resource to parents of all students in GEAR UP schools and can provide valuable information on a variety of topics that relate to preparing your son or daughter for college and beyond. 2. What kinds of activities will my son/daughter be asked to do? Your child will be asked to sign a statement of commitment (and parents will also sign it). Students must also participate in annual GEAR UP activities including the development of an annual learning plan, maintain good grades and attendance, and other activities including college visits, career exploration, and community service. See our GEAR UP activity guide for some college-ready activity examples. 3. If my son/daughter moves to a GEAR UP participating school after the 7th grade, can they be eligible for GEAR UP? No, students may only be enrolled in the program in their 7th grade year. However, the program is designed to promote whole-school change and create sustainable college going cultures in all Maine schools. Hopefully, the student will benefit from this initiative, but they would not be eligible to officially enroll and receive a GEAR UP scholarship. 4.Why is it important to file the FAFSA as early as possible? Institutional financial aid (from the college your son or daughter will be attending) is distributed early and you have a much higher chance of receiving a better aid package if you file earlier. The first date you can file is Jan 1, and we recommend that you file as soon after this date as possible. For more FAQs and information, please visit our website: www.gearupme.org

39. Educator FAQs What professional development opportunities are available to educators at GEAR UP schools? The Maine State GEAR UP grant is administered by the Maine Support Network, an organization that has a long history of providing Maine schools with professional development suited to their interests and needs. All GEAR UP schools have access to individualized support in a variety of topics through the Maine Support Network. In addition, the Maine Parent Federation is available to work with schools to increase parent involvement. For more FAQs and information, please visit our website: www.gearupme.org