Gear Up Program
University Communications
University Reporter
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By Anne-Marie Kent
With over 6,000 students taking summer classes, UMass Boston is hardly dormant in the summer months. On June 9th, however, the campus was especially busyÑand the students particularly young.
That day, as part of a federal Gear-Up Grant funded program, 150 Gavin School sixth-graders became freshmen for a day. They attended mini lectures on subjects from web-page creation to the study of rock and soil, river water, and polarized light. They participated in sports activities, toured the UMass Boston Greenhouse, and WUMB studiosÑand even got their own UMass Boston ID cards.
"The goal of this event was to emulate the college experience and encourage them to set high goals for the future. We wanted to open their eyes to great possibilities," explained Director of Undergraduate Admissions Liliana Mickle.
Gavin Gear-Up Director Susan Swan said, "The students were truly engaged in the college experience thanks to the creative and organizational skills of Liliana and her staff assistant, Heather; the faculty who made their lessons active and exciting; and the university students and staff who guided them through their day. What a triumph for school/college partnerships!"
Over 20 members of the UMass Boston community participated, including faculty, staff, students, and recent graduate Steven Burns, who spoke about his career as a Training Specialist for Fleet Bank.
In one session, students listed reasons for attending college. They cited the range of career options available to college graduates, increased earning potential, and overall enrichment.
Asked why some kids donÕt go to college, the sixth graders immediately pointed to issues of confidence and cost. One girl said, "ItÕs too expensive, plus you might be the first in your family and you may not be sure that you can do it." Heads nodded.
Encouraged to see these as obstacles to overcome rather than reasons to give up, the students then began generating solutions. They discussed the value of taking the right classes to build skills, studying hard to earn scholarships, getting tutoring when necessary, and finding mentors who know about college education.
Academic support, mentoring, and encouragement are all provided as part the Gavin program, one of two Gear-Up funded partnerships at UMass Boston. After middle school, Gavin students can expect continued support if they attend one of five targeted Boston high schools that offer UMass Boston pre-collegiate programs.