TEAM GEAR UP

In 2011, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) was awarded a seven-year, $14.87 million federal GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant to promote college awareness and readiness at selected schools. Local matching funds brought the total grant opportunity to nearly $30 million. The project supported students from 7^th grade through high school graduation for the classes of 2017 and 2018 at eight different MPS high schools. 

An important component of the TEAM GEAR UP grant was the opportunity for MPS to create and solidify relationships with key business and community partners as well as to establish a pipeline to Wisconsin colleges and universities. Through TEAM GEAR UP, MPS strengthened partnerships with Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, Marquette University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, University of Wisconsin—Madison, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, and University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh.

The TEAM GEAR UP grant ended in the fall of 2018.  The following are some of the outcomes of the grant which impacted Milwaukee Public Schools:

• The Milwaukee Parent Institute (MPI) provided by GEAR UP since the 2014-15 school year in which nearly 1,000 parents graduated. MPI is now used across the district by Milwaukee Public Schools.

• Summer credit recovery sponsored by GEAR UP resulted in 93% of the students (433 ninth graders) earning credits, helping students stay on track to graduation. In fact, 88 students were promoted from ninth to tenth grade because of summer credit recovery reducing the gap in ninth grade promotion rates between GEAR UP and non-GEAR UP schools.

• Success of the GEAR UP summer Credit Recovery resulted in district-wide adoption of 9^th and 10^th grade Credit Recovery.

• Credit Recovery program information was shared at the national GEAR UP conference hosted by National Council for Community and Educational Partnerships.

• Increased student access to pre-college programs hosted by Milwaukee Area Technical College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

• Over the course of the grant, interactive college tours and visits at more than 20 unique colleges both locally and out-of-state, serving more than 12,000 participants.

• Increased the number of students from GEAR UP schools participating in the UW-Madison PEOPLE scholars and Marquette Equal Opportunity Program (EOP).

• Of the first MPS GEAR UP cohort, 11% more students participated in Advanced Placement classes than students in the same schools prior to GEAR UP implementation.

• Over the last three years, project staff collaborated with UWM SREed to develop and refine a statistical prediction model to help schools identify and enroll additional students who are likely to succeed in Advanced Placement courses. As a result, this recruitment process is conducted with more intentionality and support, and the prediction model is used across the district. 

• In collaboration with school counselors, provided a Senior Bridge program at all GEAR UP schools to prepare 12^th graders for the FAFSA and college application process.

• The first graduating cohort of GEAR UP received nearly $11 million in scholarship offers to 206 students.

• The second graduating cohort of GEAR UP received over $15 million in scholarships offers to 210 students.

• Graduation rates increased in six of the eight GEAR UP high schools.

For any additional inquiries regarding the 2011 -2018 GEAR UP grant, please contact James Sokolowski, Postsecondary Engagement Coordinator at sokolojd@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.