Among other things, Colvin said, GEAR UP workers in Kansas work to ensure that foster youths who age out of foster care do not lose housing once they enroll in college. The program also helps students locate information and resources they need to get into and through college, such as financial aid information, and connects them with individuals who can help guide them through the college experience.
“I think it affords low-income students the opportunity to have resources—human resources—to be able to ask questions and remain in contact with you until graduation from high school,” Colvin said.
The GEAR UP conference being held this week is offering workshops to GEAR UP workers on a variety of topics geared toward college readiness.
At one such workshop, officials from the New York-based College Board organization presented information on a variety of College Board products—such as Advanced Placement courses—that school districts are using to get students better prepared for college.
“We know AP (Advanced Placement) works,” said Travis Goodwin, a College Board representative based in Austin, Texas, citing statistics that show students who score 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams are more likely to go to college.
“The problem is they’re not getting 3s, 4s, and 5s,” Goodwin said. “So what are we doing to get them ready for AP?” Goodwin said as he presented the College Board’s SpringBoard program, which is designed to prepare students as early as sixth grade for Advanced Placement courses.
Juan Williams, a national political commentator at NPR who served as guest speaker at the GEAR UP conference luncheon, reiterated the need for GEAR UP workers to believe in youths whose potential is being underestimated.
“I don’t think anyone would have bet on me, if you know what I mean,” Williams said, recounting his experience growing up as the youngest of three children of an immigrant mother.
“It was because of people like you that I was able to find a way and make a way,” Williams said. “I sometimes think that, with all the static, you folks might lose touch with the idea that you are heroes to people like me. That you save lives.”
