Welcome to the GEAR UP project page

University of Maine at Farmington
UMF Partnerships for Success
GEAR UP

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) GEAR UP project, building on the success of our partnership with School Administrative District (SAD) 21 between 1999 and 2005, expanded the partnership to include SAD 21, 43 and Jay School Districts in 2006. These districts have similar traits. Situated in an economically challenged part of rural Maine, they include schools with very limited resources. Students lack aspirations, motivation and role models. Parental participation in the education process is very limited and few financial and college counseling opportunities are offered. Post secondary education is perceived by many to be unattainable. Isolation and budget reductions also deprive the schools of opportunities for sufficient professional development.

To alleviate these problems, the UMF Partnerships for Success (GEAR UP Project) proposes to deliver services to students, parents and teachers through collaborative efforts with our partners from businesses and community based organizations. The program employs methods that have already proven successful: students are offered tutoring and mentoring; a week long series of lectures, classes and activities on UMF's campus, after school and summer programs, field trips and college visits, career planning and job shadowing, along with 21st Century Scholar Certificate ceremonies. Parents and families are provided with college and financial aid counseling, field trips and college visits. For teachers, the program offers college-school bridging courses, professor-teacher workshops, as well as courses, seminars and training programs to help improve student academic performance through more rigorous and challenging courses. Our intent is to replicate the success of the first GEAR UP project.

By the time students graduate, 85 percent will be academically prepared for college. All families will receive financial aid advice and be cognizant of the steps needed to plan for college. Schools will also gain through collaboration with the University in capacity building and curriculum development.