Parent Resources:

The goal of the California GEAR UP state program is to develop and sustain the organizational capacity of middle schools to prepare ALL students for high school and postsecondary education through the establishment of a statewide network of support. Since 1999, California GEAR UP and the 68 partnership projects have impacted over 1/3 of the 1200 middle schools in California, with the State grant serving over 236,000 students in 260 schools in 106 school districts in 25 counties.

The state model is designed to create a self-sustaining college-going culture by working with whole schools through the adults that have the greatest impact in student life and experience: the principals, teachers, counselors, families and community leaders

You have more help out there than you think!

Adventures in Education: AIE has college planning resources, financial aid information, career guidance, and money management tips to help families and students achieve their goals. They have information on planning for college, paying for it, finding a career and managing your money.

Federal Student Aid: The Federal Student Aid team is passionately committed to making education beyond high school more attainable for all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status. They are the "go to" source for any information on federally-backed student aid.

Own Your Own Future: Whether your students are in middle or high school, their guides offer you information and tools necessary to prepare, guide, support and encourage your student on his or her journey toward postsecondary education.

Did you know...?


Experts who have researched the performance and job success of college graduates have concluded that, nationwide, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn 74 percent more per year than those who only complete high school. In fact, those whose education stops with a high school diploma may see their real wages decline over time.



A high school graduate is confronted with the choice of accepting a job or entering a four-year college program. Is the student better off going to college? Because college graduates can expect to earn a salary almost double that of high school graduates, the student is much better off going to college. The difference in salary earned compounds over a lifetime.



Listing of all CA Community Colleges and Universities with links to their sites

Student scholarship information

Step by step guide: how to get them to and through college

"Where do I go from here?"
The benefits of GEAR UP go far beyond the limited number of years that we spend with the students. The far-reaching "ripple" effect will unleash a wave of competent learners on our post-secondary educational system who are armed with all the tools it will take to ensure success. Please take a look at some other informative sites to continue your research:
Parent Quote:
“I didn't know where to start when sending my baby off to college. I mean, she's only in middle school, right? What's the rush? Fortunately, I met with a counselor and got her on track because we found out it's never too early to start planning!”
ROSHANDA B.
Mother of 7th grade student