Pasadena ISD GEAR UP is starting its mentoring program in the fall of 2007, and district officials are encouraging community members and business leaders to mentor students in the program once a week for 30 to 45 minutes during the school year. 

The district launched the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) program after receiving a $1.2 million grant for the six-year initiative, which is aimed at helping students realize their academic potential as well as the reality of a college education. Seventh graders from eight intermediate schools in the district are participating in the program, which they will follow through high school graduation. 

“GEAR UP is a great way for businesses to partner with the district,” said Pasadena ISD Director of School/Community Relations Cindy Parmer. “Mentors are the key component to this program. These volunteers will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the student’s life.” 

The program is designed to enrich academic experiences in intermediate and high school and to increase high school graduation rates, academic success in intermediate and high school, parent awareness of college and financial aid possibilities, the number of students enrolling in college as well as student success in college. 

“Students will be exposed to career and college opportunities through GEAR UP as well as receive academic support during intermediate and high school,” GEAR UP Coordinator Karen McCarley said. “Students have a better chance at success when all areas such as the community, schools and parents are involved. Each of these entities can help a student to be successful in a specific way.” 

As part of the program, teachers and administrators will hold parent/student meetings to discuss college opportunities, require students to meet advanced-class requirements to graduate from high school, implement a college-awareness campaign, and help students set future goals. GEAR UP students will also be provided with field trips, tutorials, summer programs and other enrichment activities.  

Organizations such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and San Jacinto College have already begun to play their role in the GEAR UP program. GEAR UP students from South Houston Intermediate enjoyed a “Science on Stage” chemistry presentation from the museum, while students from other schools learned how to make cream puffs by getting their hands dirty with Chef Pringle at SJC. 

“It’s important for students to have adults in their lives that care about their academic success and are willing to spend the extra time to see that they receive the support that will help them achieve their goals,” McCarley said. 

McCarley said participation in this program will be beneficial to the community as well as to students, parents and teachers as it will lead to a better future for everyone involved. 

“Involvement in GEAR UP gives our local business leaders and community members who are originally from Pasadena or who even attended our schools an opportunity to stay involved in the school system and continue the traditions of giving back to their community,” she said. “The students we are serving are our future community members, and building strong ties with them now will lead to an increase in a stronger community later.” 

Volunteers such as local business leaders and community members are needed to serve as mentors and guest speakers to students as well as to donate items and door prizes to help increase parent and student participation in events. A website will soon be available for those interested in partnering with GEAR UP.  

“Programs such as GEAR UP find full success only when we make those connections between our students and the business community,” said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis. “Mentors make a tremendous difference when they demonstrate a sincere concern for the students and show them how their studies relate to the work world. This investment of time is more valuable to our students than any financial contribution could ever be.” 

For more information, please contact McCarley at 713-740-0919 or at kmccarley@pasadenaisd.org.