Guide to GEAR UP in Texas
Think BIG: Believe, Integrate and Graduate
Amarillo College
Name of Project:
Think BIG: Believe, Integrate and Graduate
Director's Name:
Jodi Lindseth
Director's Contact Number:
806-335-4325
Director's Email:
lindseth-jl@actx.edu
Years of Grant:
2007-2013
Districts/Demographics:
Students come from school districts where poverty rates are double the national average, almost 80 percent of children are low-income, up to 48.1 percent of adults have not graduated from high school, and less than four percent hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. Within the partner schools, up to 89.5 percent of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch, student assessments of minimum skills fall well below state averages, and more than 37 percent of ninth graders drop out before high school graduation.
Brief Description of Program:
The Think BIG program design draws on effective practices of similar partnerships. The project seeks to have a significant impact on students, parents, and teachers by increasing: 1) academic achievement and preparedness, as well as college enrollment; 2) motivation, retention, and engagement; 3) parent and family involvement in school activities; 4) professional development opportunities for teachers; and 5) long-term partnership investment in programs that support disadvantaged students. Activities include after-school and summer academic programs; tutoring, mentoring, and advising; educational and cultural field trips; professional development for teachers; and parental involvement activities.
Additional Contributing Organizations:
Three private foundations donating more than $400,000 for GEAR UP scholarships, and twenty community organizations providing a variety of services.