Ms. Sandy Cole, Project Director in the Center for Community Career Education, has received $417,968 from the U.S. Department of Education for the third year of a five-year GEAR UP program in Bradley and Walker Counties.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) concentrates on helping at-risk children in grades 7-12 to enhance their academic and life skills for success in college and beyond. GEAR UP provides enrichment-based services including career planning, mentoring, life skills education, cultural diversity, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and other support services. Each student works with school personnel, GEAR UP staff, and their parents to develop an individual graduation plan to improve school completion rates and future success in college.

GEAR UP serves schools in Bradley and Walker Counties with the highest numbers of financially disadvantaged students, including Rossville Middle and Ringgold High in Walker County and Trewitt Middle and Bradley Central High in Bradley County. The GEAR UP program improves the educational and cultural resources available to at-risk youth. 

Congratulations to Ms. Cole! Your continued work with GEAR UP brings UTC and surrounding communities together in recognition of the importance of preparing middle and high school students for a lifetime of learning.