What is GEAR UP at MCCC?
GEAR UP at MCCC is a pre-college program that serves students in the Trenton school district. Students are exposed to a college or university environment, while receiving tutorials, mentoring, and academic and culturally enriching services.
GEAR UP College Bound Program is funded by the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) and College Bound grants. GEAR UP is funded by the United States Department of Education through a partnership with the N.J. Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and MCCC. College Bound is funded by The State of New Jersey and administered by OSHE
Mission Statement
Its [GEAR UP’s] goal is to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
Services We Offer
- Academic-Year Program - comprehensive academic sessions during the school year after school and Saturdays.
- Summer Program - intensive academic instruction for six weeks.
- Program Focus - math and science skill development; written and oral communication; counseling, leadership development, achievement, and career exploration.
- Virtual Workshops - Developing a mindset that students are confident with virtual learning. Through this, we Establish a customized virtual program with comprehensive support that allows students to learn how to learn virtually that will set them up for success in the future.
- Mentoring Program - exposure to role models through mentoring and special lecture programs.
- Student Development - enhancement through leadership, cultural and career experiences, mediation training, and academic competition.
- Parent Support Group - workshops and seminars designed to address parents' concerns. Topics include- parenting, teen sexuality, computer literacy, achievement motivation, and methods for assisting their child in developing good study habits.
- After-school tutoring
- STEM / Computer Science Workshops
- Summer Bridge Programs
- Saturday Academy
- College and Career Coaching
- Academic advising and personal counseling
- Mentoring
- Leadership development activities
- Online Learning Strategies
- Cultural and educational trips
- College visits and tours
- College application assistance
- Financial aid information workshops
- Test preparation classes
- Parent Family Engagement Workshops
- Parent activities
- Career Coach
How Do I Qualify?
To participate in GEAR UP at MCCC you must:
- Live in the city of Trenton
- Complete a program application
- Meet family income requirements
- Enter the program in grades 7 through 12
- Provide a copy of your latest report card
- Attend one of the following target schools:
- Trenton Central High School
- Trenton's Ninth Grade Academy
- Grace A. Dunn Middle School
- Dr. MLK Jr. Middle School
- Arthur J. Holland Middle School
Once all documents are received, Site Directors will contact you for an interview with you and your parent/guardian.
Program Cost
It is absolutely free. Students are provided with books, instructional supplies, field trips, meals and public transportation tickets at no cost.