GEAR UP SWV is preparing students for their futures through National GEAR UP Week

ATHENS, WV (WVNS) — More than thirty schools across five districts are preparing to celebrate National GEAR UP Week!

National GEAR UP Week runs from September 23, 2024 to September 27, 2024 and marks the continued progress of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a movement that aims to prepare students with needed support, resources, and other things necessary for their collegiate and professional careers.

GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) plans a variety of events and activities for more than 3,800 students they serve across Raleigh, Wyoming, Mercer, Monroe, and Summers counties. Signs were given out prior to the beginning of festivities, which were displayed on the site of schools involved in the program. In addition, the organization has released a roadmap for 2024 that includes days for dress up and events to help students remain aware of their lives and careers after high school.

Below are some of the activities the organization has planned to mark National GEAR UP Week:

• September 23, 2024: “Future’s So Bright, Ya Gotta Wear Shades” is an event that will be held at Pikeview Middle School where students may dress up and wear sunglasses. Summers County Comprehensive High School Students will also participate in the dress up day. At Shady Spring Middle School, a presentation of All About GEAR UP SWV will take place at 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. Presentations will also occur at Road Branch Elementary and Middle Schools.
• September 24, 2024: Parent Night will be held at Bluefield High School at 6 p.m. All About GEAR UP SWV will be held at Shady Spring Middle School from 7:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. Summers County Comprehensive High School will participate in “Mathlete vs. Athlete” Day to encourage interest in math and Algebra 1.
• September 25, 2024: A Virtual Career Center will be available through VR goggles at Road Branch Middle School, Wyoming County. Students from Summers County Comprehensive High School will dress up in attire that will represents their favorite or future college in “Future College Day”.
• September 26, 2024: The Algebra 1 Virtual Think Tank conference for math and Algebra 1 teachers will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summers County Comprehensive High School students will dress up in their school colors during “Show School Pride”.
• September 27, 2024: Summers County Comprehensive High School students are encouraged to “Dress for Success” and wear an outfit they would select to wear for a job interview or their favorite career.

For more information regarding GEAR UP SWV and National GEAR UP SWV Week, contact Jessica Lilly at 304-384-5981 or by email here .

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