|
North Carolina's college matriculation rate trails
that of the national average. We are 35th in the nation for college
attendance, only 17.4 percent of our population has a college degree,
and state funding for school counselors is allotted at only an average
of one counselor per every 400 students. GEAR UP North Carolina
is an exciting new collaborative partnership comprised of this state's
leaders in education whose goal is to significantly increase the
number of low-income students who pursue and complete post-secondary
education. Join High School Assembly on the road in Sylva Thursday,
May 10 at 1 PM as a panel of experts explain the details of this
mission and provide information regarding financial aid, services
and activities available so that middle school students can discover
the accessibility, affordability and benefits of attending college.
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness
for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP North Carolina is a partnership
involving the University
of North Carolina, PATHWAYS,
the State Education Assistance Authority, the
NC Department of Public Instruction, the NC
Community College System, the NC
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the UNC
Center for Public Television, and the Council of UNC Alumni
Association Presidents. The project will target 15 school districts
across the state where the poverty rate is high and the college-going
rate is low. Beginning when students are in seventh grade, GEAR
UP NC will provide ongoing tutoring and mentoring, academic planning
and preparation, financial aid planning, college tours for students
and counselors, professional development for teachers, and new resources
for Spanish-speaking students.
For more information on GEARUP North Carolina contact:
Mary Cay Corr
919-549-7164
|
