Guide to GEAR UP in Texas

GEAR UP "Creating a Vision II"

Texas A&M International University

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Name of Project:

GEAR UP "Creating a Vision II"

Website:

http://www.tamiu.edu/contedu/Gear%20Up/

Director's Name:

Michael Smith

Director's Contact Number:

956-326-2764

Director's Email:

michael.smith@tamiu.edu

Years of Grant:

2005-2011

Type of Grant:

Cohort

Districts/Demographics:

Laredo ISD and United ISD

Brief Description of Program:

The “Creating a Vision II” program has two major goals:

  • To strengthen existing academic strategies and implement new programs to raise academic standards, provide academic support for students, improve teacher training, and increase student knowledge of higher education opportunities and admissions
  • To develop a parental education program that teaches parents English language and parenting skills so that they can provide a nurturing academic environment for their children and make them aware of all higher education opportunities

The project incorporates several academic and parental education strategies: vertical teaming for staff development, tutoring and mentoring programs, curriculum reform, summer enrichment programs, preparation for SAT, ACT and THEA exams, parenting conferences that include a diverse range of topics on college information, financial aid opportunities, parental counseling, and understanding state and national exam results and their implications. The ripple effects of implementing this program benefit all students, not just the cohort. As a result of this initiative, an increasing number of Hispanic students from the Laredo area will graduate from high school, enroll in and succeed in college.

Partners:

Laredo Chamber of Commerce