GARDNER, MA – August 2, 2021 – Victor Rojas, Assistant Director of GEAR UP, has been named GEAR UP Professional of the Year by the National Council for Community Education Partnerships (NCCEP) at their annual conference.

According to Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA, the “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing college and career readiness of low-income students in communities nationwide. GEAR UP targets entire grades of students, partnering with local organizations and business, and matching Federal Department of Education funds with local contributions, allowing projects to support large number of students. The NCCEP leadership awards honors students, family leaders, community partners, and professionals from the GEAR UP community.

Fitchburg residents who are members of the class of 2024 & 2025 will receive services through GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) throughout this academic year.

Program Goal

The primary goal of GEAR UP is to provide participants with the academic support and preparation necessary to increase their chances of academic success, and post-secondary success. GEAR UP program staff are located at Longsjo, McKay, & Memorial middle school. GEAR UP will continue to offer services to each of the students enrolled in the classes of 2024-2025 until graduation.

What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP is a seven-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and administered by Mount Wachusett Community College, in partnership with Fitchburg Public Schools. Additionally, GEAR UP has several community partners that contribute time and resources to support grant goals and objectives. This partnership mission is two-fold: to provide cohort students with intensive academic, recreational, and family based interventions; and to provide the public school districts with a sustainable, system-wide infusion of instructional and curricular reforms that lead to improvements in teaching, learning, and curriculum design.

GEAR UP supports the students of Fitchburg through collaboration with existing programs and activities. GEAR UP is funded 50% by the U.S. Department of Education, and federal funds are matched dollar for dollar by state and local community resources. Total funding for this year from the U.S. Department of Education is $669,600.

According to the college, the GEAR UP Professional of the Year is awarded to an individual who is committed to the GEAR UP movement and the goal of ensuring that college access and success is available to all students. Through their work with GEAR UP, the awardee demonstrates the passion and perseverance to assist low-income students in their quest to attain a college education.

Visit mwcc.edu to learn more about the GEAR UP Fitchburg program.