Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) at Arkansas Tech University empowers students, families, and educators across Johnson and Pope Counties to build strong academic foundations and prepare for college and career success.
Through high-impact tutoring, family engagement nights, college visits, career exploration, and professional development for educators, GEAR UP fosters a supportive community focused on achievement and opportunity.
Serving more than 1,100 students across partner schools in the Clarksville and Russellville School Districts, the program provides tutoring, mentoring, and college readiness activities鈥攂oth in person and online鈥攖o help students graduate, meet college entrance requirements, and confidently take the next step toward higher education.
With the support of community partners such as the Russellville Boys & Girls Club, Education Consulting, LLC, and STEM training initiatives, ATU GEAR UP is committed to building a lasting college-going culture in the schools it serves.
ATU GEAR UP is short for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
The program is poised to create vigorous academic and educational experiences to low-income, diverse, disadvantaged youth in Johnson and Pope Counties in west central Arkansas. Our project goals focus on academic outcomes to increase high school graduation rates, expand the rate of graduates meeting state collegiate entrance requirements, and increase the rate of students applying to and enrolling in college. We will provide these activities and services through tutoring, mentoring, and advising using both in-person and remote platforms. We will conduct career and college workshops, offer career exploration opportunities, and provide a variety of events to build a college going culture in the schools we serve.
The GEAR UP program at 抖阴视频 offers a variety of engaging activities that support students, families, and educators. These activities are designed to build academic confidence, foster college and career awareness, and strengthen connections between schools and families.
High-Impact Tutoring
Students receive individualized academic support through high-impact tutoring sessions.
These sessions help reinforce core subject knowledge, improve study habits, and boost
academic performance in preparation for postsecondary success.
Family Engagement Nights
GEAR UP hosts family-friendly events that encourage collaboration between school and
home. Families participate in interactive workshops on topics such as financial literacy,
scholarship opportunities, and college readiness strategies.
College Preparedness & Campus Visits
GEAR UP students explore higher education through structured campus visits and college
preparation workshops. Activities include guided campus tours, informational sessions
on admissions and financial aid, and opportunities to meet with faculty and current
college students.
Career Exploration
Students engage in activities that expose them to various career pathways. Through
hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and job readiness sessions, GEAR UP helps students
connect their academic goals with future career opportunities.
Faculty / Staff Professional Development
GEAR UP offers professional learning opportunities for teachers and staff to strengthen
instructional practices and support student success. Sessions focus on equity, student
engagement, and strategies for improving college and career readiness outcomes.
The 抖阴视频 GEAR UP team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to supporting students, families, and schools as they prepare for college and career success. Our staff brings a diverse range of experience in education, student support, and community engagement, working together to make a lasting impact across our partner schools.
Our team is led by Director Sheila Gamero, who oversees program operations and strategic initiatives. Supporting her are Professional Development Coordinators Jeremy Bull and Benjamin Foster, who provide training and resources to educators to enhance college and readiness efforts.
Our Advisors, Peytan Nepivoda, Heather Meeker, and Kyndal Atkinson, work directly with students, families, and schools to deliver academic guidance, mentorship, and college access support.
Rounding out our team is Administrative Specialist Desha Nelson Lewis, who ensures smooth program operations and coordination across all GEAR UP activities.
The program operates under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Ibrahim and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Stefanski, whose vision and expertise guide ATU GEAR UP鈥檚 mission to expand educational opportunity and success for Russellville and Clarksville students.
Together, the ATU GEAR UP team is passionate about empowering students to dream big, achieve more, and create pathways to their future.
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GEAR UP Director: Sheila Gamero, M.A. College of Education and Health |
GEAR UP PD Coordinator: Benjamin J. Foster College of Education and Health |
GEAR UP PD Coordinator: Jeremy Bull, M.A. College of Education and Health |
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GEAR UP Advisor: Kyndal Atkinson College of Education and Health |
GEAR UP Advisor: Heather Meeker College of Education and Health |
GEAR UP Advisor: Peytan Nepivoda College of Education and Health |
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GEAR UP Administrative Specialist: Desha N. Lewis College of Education and Health
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Professor of Teaching & Educational Leadership |
Co-Principal: Dr. Heather Stefanski Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction |
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We build the capacity of communities to ensure that underserved students have the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to successfully pursue the education and training that will enable them to achieve their career and life goals. We work towards a future where all students are empowered and equipped with the education and training needed to succeed in a diverse and global society.
The following three goals will guide the ATU GEAR UP project design:
1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of
participating students,
2. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary
education, and
3. Educate students and their families about higher education options, preparation,
and financing for success in postsecondary education.
ATU has established the following five objectives for the GEAR UP project:
1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of
participating students
2. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary
education of participating students
3. Increase GEAR UP students鈥� and their families鈥� knowledge of postsecondary education
options, preparation, and financing
4. Increase GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students who are enrolled at an IHE
5. Increase persistence to the second year of postsecondary education
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GEAR UP Sign Up Links GEAR UP Tutoring Sign Up Links
Monthly Newsletters Video Resources |
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