MTC Gear Up identifies 7^th graders from local eligible middle schools and provides on-going academic enhancement and support until they graduate from high school. All services are provided at no cost to the students or their families.

The objective of this program is two-fold:

• to provide students with the encouragement and support they need to finish high school
• to provide students with assistance in applying to an appropriate institution of post-secondary education

To encourage and support students’ academic success, MTC Gear Up focuses on two types of skills: academic skills (reading, writing, math, science, and so on) and student skills (such as studying, communications, conflict resolution, team work, and goal setting).

The academic portion of the program provides hands-on activities, often performed in small groups, that will contribute to the students’ love of learning as well as increase their academic skills. In year 1 of the GEAR UP program, students participate in StarTech, a simulation in which students discover a new planet and plan an exploratory trip to investigate it. This simulation combines academic content, such as science, math, history, and communications, with practical skills such as orienting and first aid. Year 2 of Gear Up presents Fuel Cell Technology, a series of lessons in which students investigate this alternative source of fuel, study the effects of fuel technology on society, compare current gasoline prices with those during of the Energy Crisis, learn how the price of fuel has influenced the manufacturing of cars, and much, much more.

The student skills portion of the program provides activities that build the students’ ability to think critically, work independently and in groups, set goals, work towards those goals, resolve conflicts, study effectively, organize their thoughts and their work, and perform other tasks that contribute to academic and social success.

To support students in applying to institutions of higher education, Gear Up coordinates with the local schools to advise students into high school courses that will prepare them for college. Gear Up also works with parents and students to increase their understanding of college entrance requirements, broaden their knowledge of post-secondary opportunities, choose a post-secondary program appropriate for the individual student, and complete applications and financial aid forms.

The curriculum for this program will be delivered through two types of events:

Saturday Academies meet during the academic year on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm on MTC’s Airport Campus. The hours may be longer on days when activities demand more time (field trips, etc.).

Summer Institutes meet on weekdays for 2-4 weeks MTC’s campus to continue the programs offered in the Saturday academies. These days typically run from 9 am to 3 pm, unless activities require more time.

Gear Up  provides transportation to all events for all students who need this service. It is the intent of MTC Gear Up  to eliminate any barriers that might keep a student from participating. In addition, students are served breakfast and lunch on all days the program meets.

Parental / Guardian Involvement

Parents and guardians are invited to provide input into the programming and to attend workshops that will help them understand what opportunities are open to their children as well as how to take advantage of them. In addition, parents and guardians have a standing invitation to attend any of the programming provided to students.

* MTC Gear Up is a part of the South Carolina Gear Up grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered through the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.