Naugatuck Valley Community College and Waterbury Public Schools Launch New GEAR UP Collaboration Supported by U.S. Department of Education Grant
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With GEAR UP funding, NVCC and WPS will prepare all 8th grade students to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Through this alliance, students from high-need areas will receive early college awareness and support activities such as tutoring, mentoring, academic preparation, financial education and college scholarships to improve access to higher education for students and their families.
The program serves over 1,500 students and their families as they transition to high school and prepare for the college admissions process. The GEAR UP staff includes program coordinators and mentors at each school who work with a GEAR UP Family and Community Liaison to engage parents and guardians in the process.
NVCC CEO, Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D. is delighted that this GEAR UP grant allows NVCC and WPS to continue a partnership that serves students. “I know that the additional supports and structures from GEAR UP benefit the students in the best possible ways,” said Dresdner.
Former Wilby High School student, Brendan Buzak, shared the impact that the GEAR UP program has had on his education. Buzak, a current NVCC student, said “The GEAR UP Program was always there to help me and to reassure the confidence I needed in my academics. GEAR UP provided me with so many opportunities to prepare me for post-secondary education like college tours, pre-college, college level courses and even help with the college application process. GEAR UP was the opportunity that kept on giving and opening the doors to a future of success and more opportunities! I’m truly grateful for The GEAR UP Program.”
“Early awareness and access to highly rigorous courses and support are critically important as we strive to implement Portrait of a Graduate and assure our students are college and career ready,” said WPS Superintendent Dr. Verna D. Ruffin.
Waterbury Arts Magnet School Principal, Nick Albini noted “We are delighted, in partnership with Naugatuck Valley Community College, to offer this program to our 8th grade Waterbury students. GEARUP enhances, strengthens and highlights our commitment to prepare students for post-secondary education and career opportunities.”
NVCC GEAR UP Project Director, Megan Houlihan-Aceto, has been with NVCC and the GEAR UP program for the past five years and commented “Waterbury GEAR UP has made a difference in students' lives, providing them with the preparation and support needed to succeed in high school and beyond under the first grant. Within this new grant, Waterbury GEAR UP, Naugatuck Valley Community College and Waterbury Public Schools continue to offer invaluable services to our entire 8th-grade cohort of students and families as they move forward with their education. We look ahead to working with our partners over the next five years to create greater access, preparation and awareness of college options for our students.”
