The Oklahoma GEAR UP program contains a college access information plan aimed at supporting both the state grant and the partnership grants, as well as all parents and students in the state. The college access information plan targets fifth- through 12th-grade students, their parents and teachers. This plan includes new, innovative ways of providing information about college to Oklahoma residents in both English- and Spanish-language formats.
For the younger students, Oklahoma GEAR UP has a series of DVDS for fifth through seventh graders that emphasizes college as an attainable goal and highlights the importance of preparing for college at an early age. The DVDs include instructor guides and student activity booklets.
In addition, GEAR UP has created a specialized DVD and instructor's guide aimed at shaping the kind of decisions that eighth-grade students make in their final year of middle school.
To help parents guide their children through the college preparation process, Oklahoma GEAR UP produces three parent guides on gearing up for college — one for parents of eighth-grade students, one for parents of ninth- and 10th-grade students and one for parents of 11th- and 12th-grade students. Each version targets appropriate grade levels and includes information on the role parents play in the preparation of their child for college, the economic benefits of obtaining a college degree, the high school courses required for college entry, admission standards, college costs, financial aid, etc. The parent guides are mailed directly to appropriate households across Oklahoma each year.
All of these materials are distributed to public and private schools, libraries, faith-based organizations and youth-based organizations such as YMCAs, Girls and Boys Clubs of America, Campfire Kids, Girl and Boy Scouts of America, etc. The materials are also available free upon request.
Classroom Readiness
GEAR UP provides professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators that improve student success, such as curriculum enhancement in the areas of math, science, reading, English and social studies; vertical teaming; working with special populations; data analysis and academic improvement.
Scholarships
GEAR UP encourages students to take advantage of a unique program for eighth-, ninth- and 10th-grade Oklahoma students that will help pay for their college education if their family’s income is $50,000 or less – Oklahoma's Promise.