GEARUP/College Bound
GEARUP/College Bound (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) at Salem Community College is a discretionary grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Our goal is to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Participation in the GEARUP/College Bound program is free!
College Bound Program Services
Through student leadership, creative thinking, college and career exploration, academic skill-building, and teamwork, GEARUP/College Bound provides students the tools for post-secondary success.
Program and activities include:
- After School Tutoring
- Mentoring
- Career Awareness Workshops
- Parent Informational Sessions
- College Visits
- Field Trips
- College Workshops
- Financial Aid and FAFSA Workshops
- Free Summer Enrichment Program
- First Year Experience
- Saturday academy and summer 6 week program
Application Process
GEARUP/College Bound is a state funded program that requires certain documentation to prove eligibility. All documentation must be submitted to your child's school counseling office by a specific deadline. Please read the application directions carefully.
Students MUST:
- Be currently enrolled in Penns Grove Middle school or high school.
- Complete the GEARUP/College Bound application
- Provide a copy of their social security card
- Receive free or reduced lunch
- Provide proof of residency
- Obtain two (2) references from either a teacher, guidance counselor, or a principal
How to apply:
- Download and print the GEARUP/College Bound application.
- Carefully read the application and prepare all required documentation as requested in the application.
- Submit a copy of your social security card, health insurance card, and proof of residency to the contact person at your school.
- Submit your application with all required paperwork to the GEARUP/College Bound contact person at your school.
Required documentation includes:
- Application
- Proof of residency
- Copy of social security card
- Copy of health insurance card(s)
- x2 Letter(s) of recommendation
- Family Information (page 3 of application)
- Essay (page 4 of application)
- Record release and parent consent (page 5 of application)
- Emergency contact information (page 6 of application)
- Rules Regulations/Oath (page 7 of application)
- School counselor recommendation (page 9 of application)
- Teacher recommendation (page 10 of application)
Resources
The following resources were complied to help the parents and students understand how the GEARUP/College Bound program can help student success in the classroom as well as well as provide additional information about how the program works.
For more information on the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness Program (GEAR UP), visit the U.S. Department of Education's website for the program. There you will find useful information on the program's funding status, awards history, legislation, regulations and guidance documents, as well as performance reports, contacts and frequently asked questions.
College Board – Big Future – this link helps parents and students explore the ins and outs of college – from taking the PSAT through exploring careers, choosing a college, and how to pay for it.
Go College – a site to help locate scholarships, grants, and student loan assistance. It also has a college survival guide that discusses how to get good grades, financial management, and how to build good credit.
Financial Aid – link to complete the FAFSA – use the FAFSA4caster to see how federal student aid can help you pay for college
Study Skills Middle School and Beyond – this article has some great suggestions for helping your child navigate school.
eCampus Tours – virtual tours of colleges and universities.
HESAA – NJ State student aid can help you pay for college.
FastWeb – Free scholarship search engine.
College Board for Students – this link will show you when to take the SAT, how to send your scores to your top college choices and how to search for scholarships
Big Future by the College Board - this link helps students explore the ins and outs of college – from taking the PSAT through exploring careers, choosing a college, and how to pay for it.
Advanced Placement – this is the link you will use to learn about AP courses and locating practice exams
Financial Aid – link to complete the FAFSA – use the FAFSA4caster to see how federal student aid can help you pay for college
Go College – a site to help locate scholarships, grants, and student loan assistance. It also has a college survival guide that discusses how to get good grades, financial management, and how to build good credit.