Our Student Kickoffs are scheduled for May 13th and 14th at The Boutwell Auditorium from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Areas I & II: May 13th

Clay-Chalkville Middle, Hueytown Middle, Erwin Middle, Rudd Middle, Fultondale High, and Tarrant High

Areas III & IV: May 14th

Bessemer Middle, McAdory Middle, Rutledge Middle, Minor Middle, Irondale Middle, Fairfield Preparatory High, and Pleasant Grove High

We can't wait to see you there!

The GEAR UP Jefferson County Kickoff is designed to promote and ignite a sense of excitement and enthusiasm around academic preparation and postsecondary success. Mr. Timothy Alexander will serve as the keynote speaker during the opening session. Students will also have an opportunity to explore various colleges and universities.

The areas will be:

All about College

Representatives from various colleges and universities

Core Services

Community partners will offer services to students within the cohort. This area will also include summer opportunities.

Hands-on

Interactive displays which allow students to stretch their imaginations

Stage

This area will allow students to see who they can become

Meeting Dates

Area I

April 8 @ 5:00 P.M. (Hueytown MS)

April 11 @ 6:00 P.M. (Clay-Chalkville MS)

Area II

April 25 @ 5:00 P.M. (Rudd Middle School)

May 7 @ 6:00 P.M. (Erwin Middle School)

May 9 @ 6:00 P.M. (Fultondale High School)

May 20 @ 1:00 P.M. (Tarrant High School)

Area III

April 3 @ 9:00 A.M. (Rutledge Middle School) 2nd Meeting TBA

April 29 @ 6:00 P.M. (Irondale Middle School)

May 6 @ 6:30 P.M. (Pleasant Grove High School)

May 7 @ 5:00 P.M. (Minor Middle School)

Area IV

April 9 @ 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. (Fairfield HS)

April 30 @ 8:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. (McAdory MS)

May 6 @ 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. (Bessemer MS)

GEAR UP Jefferson County was busy during the month of April. The Area Facilitators have been working hard to establish a foundation within each one of our 13 schools. They have connected with students in the classrooms, facilitated faculty and staff meetings, and hosted numerous parent meetings.

Parent meetings are designed to share GEAR UP Jefferson County’s three objectives:

(1) Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for GEAR UP students

(2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education for GEAR UP students

(3) Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing

Additionally, many of the GU-JC community partners began hosting student workshops at the schools and communicating the aspects of their programs.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Cassie Raulston, Dr. Amy Samuels, Dr. Greg Samuels, & Dr. Alvin Taylor

Financial Manager: Sharon Hardie

Area Facilitators:

Tiffany Dukes

Kimberly Johnson

Lauren Stuckey

Chrystal Tolbert (Interim Project Director)

Email: GU-JC@montevallo.edu
Website: https://www.montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-education/gear-up-jefferson-county/
Location: Station 6355 Montevallo, AL 35115
Phone: (205) 665-6300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GEARUPJeffersonCounty/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Twitter: @GEARUPJC

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The GEAR UP, Jefferson County (GU-JC) initiative is designed to improve access, opportunities
and outcomes for students from historically marginalized populations and underserved
communities. The program is designed to support, strengthen and expand the existing infrastructure, as well as enhance academic opportunities, increase exploration of postsecondary options and equip students and families with information and tools to plan for and access postsecondary education.