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More than 350 11th grade students from eight Western Upper Peninsula Schools will visit the campus of Michigan Technological University today for a conference-style event to learn about college.
During the day, they will learn about the wide array of post-secondary options to consider, college admissions requirements, and what it’s like to be a college student—from living in a residence hall to potentially competing as a college athlete.
The participating students are part of a national program called GEAR UP: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP strives to expose students to all options after high school—be it community college, apprenticeship or university—and prepare them to be successful in those pursuits.
The students have been involved with GEAR UP as a cohort since the seventh grade, which enables the program to grow alongside them and shift focus as each school year’s educational milestones approach.
“GEAR UP is a comprehensive, hands-on approach to college readiness,” explains Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Schools teacher Jesse Kentala. “Our students are more prepared and focused on long-term goals, specifically college, because of the GEAR UP program.”
Eight area schools will be represented including Baraga, Calumet, Chassell, Dollar Bay-Tamarack City, Hancock, Lake Linden-Hubbell, L’Anse and part of Houghton’s junior class. Also attending will be a group from the North Star Academy which is Northern Michigan University’s GEAR UP cohort.
Students will attend interactive sessions throughout the day on a variety of topics: how to apply for scholarships and financial aid; what it can be like having a roommate for the first time; and how to stay happy and healthy while away from home.
The sessions will be hosted by representatives from many entities including Michigan Tech, NMU’s Jacobetti Complex, Finlandia University and the UP Construction Council.
“We are very excited to bring together so much wisdom from across the western UP,” noted Liz Fujita, who coordinates the GEAR UP program at Michigan Tech. “It’s critical for the GEAR UP students to hear from a wide array of people with different experiences so they can better choose the best career path for themselves after high school.”
By the end of the day, students will have many new ideas and skills to add to their repertoire as they tackle the challenge of finding the best fit for their future career path.
