Guide to GEAR UP in Texas
El Paso ISD Borderland GEAR UP Project
El Paso ISD
Name of Project:
El Paso ISD Borderland GEAR UP Project
Website:
http://www.episd.org/_departments/gear_up/
Director's Name:
Martin Torres
Director's Contact Number:
915-775-2139
Director's Email:
mtorres5@episd.org
Years of Grant:
2006-2012
Type of Grant:
Cohort
Districts/Demographics:
El Paso ISD
Number of Students Served:
2,759
Brief Description of Program:
El Paso ISD’s GEAR UP includes tutoring, mentoring, professional development, academic readiness testing, positive coping and life skills, transition events, and exposure to higher education. The program also increases parents’ awareness of success factors for the GEAR UP cohort by impressing upon them the significance of their support for their children's futures. GEAR UP staff also provides them with knowledge of the benefits and accessibility of both college and financial aid. Staff development includes training on technology-based curriculums for math and science, preparing students for academic readiness in high school and beyond, and strategies for increasing students’ ability to relate academics to every day experiences. The expected outcomes are academic readiness for high school graduation, high achievement on entrance exams, and college entry. Parents also gain awareness of support for pursuing postsecondary education and teachers receive support for up-to-date, research-proven effective strategies.