Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
For many students in Jefferson County, continuing their education after high school is a natural next step. For others, not so much.
Whether they are unprepared academically, socially, financially or simply don’t have the right support systems in place, many students face significant challenges to continuing their studies and pursuing their career goals. That’s where GEAR UP Jefferson County comes in.
GEAR UP offers a wide range of services and programs designed to help students — especially traditionally underserved or challenged students — get ready to pursue post-secondary education and career training. In other words: we’re here to help all kids, of all races, socio-economic situations and abilities follow their dreams.
We offer the services they need.
As you can imagine, students throughout Jefferson County have a wide range of needs when it comes to preparing for college. Whether they need ACT prep, tutoring or academic enrichment, support with applications or college visits or their parents need help with financial aid, we’ve got the resources and the determination to help each student find their way.
Even if that doesn’t necessarily mean college. Maybe it’s trade school or an associate’s degree. Whatever the goal, we’re here to provide services and support and give them the tools they need to start working toward it.
Our Services
We empower Jefferson County students to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals after high school.
The mission of GEAR UP Jefferson County is to empower students to become socially and academically prepared and motivated to pursue and succeed in post -secondary education by fostering a spirit of excellence through collaborative efforts, data driven decisions and effective communication.
Our Objective
GEAR UP Jefferson County strives to assist stakeholders in gaining greater awareness and readiness for post-secondary education by providing impactful services through a spirit of equitable excellence that promotes sustainable justice in the communities we serve.
Gear Up Stats
4,991
Total Students
52.6%
11th Grade
Newsletter
Stay updated with the latest news, events, and achievements by subscribing to our newsletter.
In October 2018, after the start of the 2018-19 school year, the University of Montevallo was awarded a federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness (GEAR UP) seven-year grant to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools within five school districts located in Jefferson County, Alabama. GEAR UP Jefferson County, GU-JC, serves the cohort of students beginning in sixth and seventh grade and follows the cohort, approximately 4,900 students, as they progress through high school and into college. The grant is funded through September2025.
The grant executive team consists of the principal investigator professors at the University of Montevallo who wrote and submitted the grant. The principal investigator is Dr. Alvin Taylor and the co-principal investigators are Drs. Cassie Raulston, Amy Samuels, and Greg Samuels.
Being able to venture out to different types of colleges really helped me figure out the type of campus I am interested in, whether it be a big and busy campus or a small campus.
— Ayanna S.
Pinson Valley High School Future Accountant
I enjoyed being a part of summer college at LSCC! I learned new things and I met some amazing new people. I also enjoy the field trip opportunities that’s provided to us from gear up to visit different colleges. Overall it was an amazing experience and I’d do it again.
— Camarian J.
Fairfield High School Future Real Estate Agent
My Area Facilitator is a great support for my success. She constantly checks on my well-being, and ensures that I have services I need.
— Steven A.
Pinson Valley High School Future Residential Construction
