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What better way is there for middle schoolers to visualize themselves as university students than to spend a week on campuses across Alabama engaging with faculty and learning the ins and outs of college life?

Through GEAR UP Achieve, 43 rising 8th graders got just that opportunity and more through the program’s inaugural Summer Academy. Offered at Auburn University and in locations in Birmingham and northeast Alabama, the 2024 GEAR UP Achieve Summer Academy emphasized academic enrichment, college planning and career exploration.

“At GEAR UP Achieve, our goal is to mentor our students and their families as they prepare for and navigate all areas of academic life, so they are equipped to thrive as students and professionals after high school graduation,” said Annette Scogin, GEAR UP Achieve program director.

“Through our GEAR UP Achieve Summer Academy, students were exposed to a variety of career exploration workshops, gained financial literacy with the help of our partner Regions Bank and were introduced to the college and career planning process through a partnership with Alabama Possible. It’s never too early to discuss college readiness.”

From each Summer Academy location, students engaged in various interactive and educational activities, including field trips to other college campuses, cultural centers and affiliated organizations to get a glimpse at various postsecondary opportunities. Through hands-on, informative and unique workshops covering topics such as literacy, mindfulness and writing, participants were empowered to envision and plan for their futures.

“It was great to see students come away from their participation in a GEAR UP Achieve Summer Academy with broader horizons for their potential college and career paths,” Scogin said. “There truly is no limit to what these students can accomplish through GEAR UP Achieve.”

Established in fall 2023 at Auburn University, GEAR UP Achieve is a seven-year grant that will follow a cohort of current 8th grade students through their high school years and into their first year of postsecondary education to help ensure greater postsecondary access and success. Scholarships to accredited institutions of higher education will be available to students who complete the GEAR UP Achieve program.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded initiative designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. With a range of services offered, GEAR UP aims to support students, families and schools through access to rigorous coursework that prepares students for postsecondary success; assisting students in postsecondary preparation; advising students to support postsecondary aspirations; and increasing funding awareness and helping to navigate financial aid.