Wildcats are “Gearing Up”for College

In February and March West Ashley High School sent 88 students to tour various college campuses thanks to the GEAR UP program. They visited Morris College, Coastal Carolina, Claflin University, South Carolina State University, Trident Technical College, and Charleston Southern University.
GEAR UP is a federally funded grant that stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The purpose of the GEAR UP grant is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The West Ashley GEAR UP grant is currently serving any student graduating in the class of 2017 and 2018.
WAHS sophomore Jasmine Scott said “Since being in GEAR UP, I have learned a lot about colleges and careers through the many trips I have been on.” GEAR UP offers sophomores and juniors many opportunities, which will benefit them in the long run. The field trips and opportunities outside of the regular school day are typically based on a first-come, first-serve basis; therefore, it’s imperative that parents and students stay up-to-date on the GEAR UP program information.
On April 9, 10th and 11th graders went to Benedict College in Columbia. Then on May 13, they will take a tour of Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Eligible students are encouraged to sign up now in order to take advantage of these opportunities.
This summer GEAR UP will offer three weeks of summer camp at Trident Technical College and one week of camp at the College of Charleston for any eligible rising 11th or 12th graders.
The summer camps at Trident Technical College will run from 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. each day. Lunch and transportation will be provided. The July 11-15 sessions will focus on Health Science and Preparing sessions will include Future Leaders and Financially Fit Future. The July 25-29 sessions will be about ACT / SAT Math & English Reading / Writing Prep and Introduction to Design Engineering.
The College of Charleston’s camp will run from June 13-16 and June 20-21. These camp sessions will focus on preparing students for college, exposing students to different colleges, and various STEM activities that will be led by Texas Instruments. Students must attend the first four days of camp in order to be eligible for the free overnight college experience.