Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the GEAR UP target Audience?
GEAR UP Birmingham will follow a cohort of students comprised of current 9th and 10th graders enrolled in Birmingham City Schools during the 2017-2018 school year. GEAR UP Birmingham will continue to provide resources for 9th and 10th grade students until their first year of college.
Which schools qualify for the grant?
Any Birmingham City high school that houses 9th and 10th grade students during the 2017-2018 school year will be served.
High Schools in Birmingham City Schools
- Carver
- Huffman
- Jackson-Olin
- Parker
- Ramsay
- Wenonah
- Woodlawn
What are the results of school systems of similar magnitude that have participated in GEAR UP?
GEAR UP has been in existence for 18 years. Research shows a 15% increase in graduation rate and college admission for similar GEAR UP districts. This research grant has third-party External Evaluators that will meet with partners each month to conduct student surveys and evaluate the overall impact of the program. This information will be reported back to Dr. Kisha Tolbert Simmons, who is oversees the GEAR UP program for the Birmingham City Schools.
What do you mean when you say “partners?”
Partners are external community resource groups that provide various educational services to our current 9th and 10th grade students. Such services include, but are not limited to: College Awareness, Parent & Student Tuition Waivers, Financial Literacy & Planning, Career Exploration & Planning, Comprehensive Mentoring, and Academic Tutoring. See a list of our current partners here.
