GEAR-UP
Logo Designed by Melody Rigney: Searider Productions, Waiʻanae High
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides seven year grants to states and partnerships to offer services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning in the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school and their first year in post secondary education.
The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu (UHWO) was awarded a 2.3 million dollar grant from the Federal Department of Education, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). The grant was awarded to service the graduating class of 2017 in Waiʻanae and Nanakuli, beginning their 7th grade year in 2011.
The funding will go to Project Holomua, a collaborative effort of public institutions and community partners to improve the academic achievement and college-going rates of students in one of the state’s highest need areas.
In partnership with Waiʻanae, Nanakuli, Kamehameha Schools and American Savings Bank, UH West Oʻahu will provide dual credit courses, additional advanced placement courses, counseling, mentoring, test preparation, academic support, advising, credit recovery courses, professional development, college visits, a student leadership conference and financial literacy programs to the cohort of students from Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, and students at Waiʻanae Intermediate transitioning to Waiʻanae High School in 2013. Participating students will begin the program in seventh grade and continue on through their first year in postsecondary education.
Programs and Services
Mentor for Youth: description | application
Contact Information:
Deelynn Kaʻahaʻaina
Program Manager
Phone: 808-689-2311
Email: deelynnk@hawaii.edu
Jean Javellana
Program Coordinator
Phone: 808-689-2319
Email: jjavella@hawaii.edu
Elten Lau
GearUp Counselor at Waiʻanae Intermediate
Email: Elten_Lau@notes.k12.hi.us