What is NJ GEAR UP / College Bound?
NJ GEAR UP / College Bound 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.
Services We Offer
- Academic-Year Program - comprehensive academic sessions during the school year after school and Saturdays.
- Summer Program - intensive academic instruction for four to 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 NJ GEAR UP / College Bound 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 HS
- 9th grade Academy
- Hedgepeth Williams MS
- Grace A. Dunn Middle School
- Joyce Kilmer Elementary School
- Luis Rivera Elementary
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.
