MONTEVALLO, Ala. —

A group of rising Jefferson County 11th-grade students is getting a college experience this summer and earning college credits by taking free courses at the University of Montevallo.

The four-week academic program is being made possible through an organization called GEAR UP Jefferson County. The program supports students academically, socially and financially.

The students are staying on campus, participating in campus activities and receiving ACT prep. They’re also touring other colleges to see what peaks their interest.

GEAR UP Jefferson County encourages rising 11th-grade students, including City Schools students, with at least a 3.0 GPA to apply to be a part of the program. For more information about the program, click here.