GEAR UP is a national, federally funded pre-collegiate grant program that is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. At Arvada, GEAR UP, is run by Desarie Wheeler.
“Gear up is a pre-collegiate program that helps students get through high school and into college or into some post-secondary option for life after high school.” Wheeler assists students with college essays, applications, scholarships, etc. “She helped me apply for 5 different colleges and I went through 13 scholarships with her.” Derek Gonzalez says.
Many students aren’t educated on anything about college. “Without Wheeler, I would be so lost and not even know where to start with college applications, essays, and scholarships.”
Terae Wagner-Brown says… “Some of the things that we do in GEAR UP is financial literacy stuff to make sure students know about debit, credit, loans, and everything similar. We also talk about how the college process works and how getting into college can make a difference. We talk about financial aid and how to pay for college, scholarships, grants ” Wheeler said.
This program has helped our seniors with everything they need to know. It’s also helped them get through high school classes. “The program has helped me with school and the support I get from Wheeler. Wheeler is very strict about staying on top of grades and attendance so she always keeps me on my toes.” Taylor Dye says.
Gear up in an application process and we are granted a 7 year grant so we only recruit for four years but any student who applies in those four years that were recruiting normally can be accepted. Wheeler has formed a connection with her students that most teachers don’t do. “Wheeler has always been there to support me in any way I need.”
Isobel Rice agrees. She isn’t just here to help students with school but also to help them as people.
