SU Receives Grant for GEAR UP Program

SALISBURY, MD   To help prepare low-income high school students for college, Salisbury University has received $59,734 from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to fund a “GEAR UP – Focus on Math” program.

“It’s important for the University to reach out to students, and to partner with K-12 schools by offering whatever resources we can,” said Dr. Diallo Sessoms of SU’s Teacher Education Department, who coordinates the program.  “GEAR UP gets students excited about college and shows them how they can become productive citizens.”

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded early intervention service administered by the Maryland State Department of Education.  Through GEAR UP, SU is partnering with Somerset County schools to offer academic activities, including a summer math camp and SU student tutors who work with students at Washington High School. Four SU faculty and staff will also deliver professional development workshops to Somerset County teachers about using math and technology in the classroom.

Another aspect of the program is exploring college and careers. Kimberly Clark-Shaw, advising services coordinator in SU’s Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies, will talk to classes of GEAR UP students about college readiness.  “Support and information will also be provided to the parents of these students to help them understand the college admissions and financial aid process,” said Paula Fitzwater, director of MHEC’s Office of Grants.

The grant was awarded to five other schools including Wor-Wic Community College and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.  For more information call 410 543 6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.