California GEAR UP Family Initiatives Project (FIP) offers five-week sessions or one day, 5 hour sessions at selected schools based on the need for family programming strategies to enhance the participation of English speaking families at California GEAR UP schools. Schools take the lead in making community connections to ensure full participation. GEAR UP facilitators lead the interactive sessions. FIP Family University sample outcomes:

• FIP provides families with support, information and resources to increase family participation with the school and community so they can help their children succeed in school for a better future.
• The family gatherings focus on family involvement and positive proactive communication
• Helping families navigate the school system on the pathway to college.
• Discuss financial aid, A-G  and graduation requirements
• Positive family communication and interaction
• College: Making it Happen materials.
• Priority application status for FIP graduates at California State University campuses

Here are some comments from attendees:

“Very good keep it up:  Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for making this workshop fun and very informative.”

“From this workshop I am better equipped to help my son and family with college and personal affairs.”

“Thank you one of the best meetings I have been to. Thank you.”

“This is a very informative and excellent seminar for parents and students.  Thank you very much.”

“This workshop was very informative with lots of information that will be very useful in preparing for college.  I am going to set up that college account.”

“I feel that the workshop was really educational for myself and child.  Real helpful information thank you for your support.”

“Extremely informative and engaging workshop, we need to  present this same information at the beginning of the school year.  Details about how to conduct parent conference were helpful.  African American parents felt heard and validated.”

“The workshop was very informative, educational and exciting.  It wasn’t boring kept me entertained.”

“I think the presentation was good and informative and done at a good pace.  Presenters were well prepared and handouts were excellent.”

Todays event at Everett MS featured laptop giveaway, excellent participation, and a tasty breakfast and lunch for all attendees.

Latptops and continual support for Everett was provided by Extreme Learning/Avanza Online.

California GEAR UP continues its Principal and Leadership Team forums in Berkeley this week. Outcomes for the event include:

• Engage in a professional readings and dialogue
• Have a clear understanding of Outcomes and Expectations for California GEAR UP
• Revisit the Professional Development Action Plan (PDAP) and assess next steps in using GEAR UP services
• Share best strategies as Schools on the Move: Timing Interventions and Support for Struggling Students
• Determine communication steps to move the GEAR UP message forward with school staff and community

The goal of the California GEAR UP state program is to develop and sustain the organizational capacity of middle schools to prepare ALL students for high school and postsecondary education through the establishment of a statewide network of support. Since 1999, California GEAR UP and the 68 partnership projects have impacted over 1/3 of the 1200 middle schools in California, with the State grant serving over 236,000 students in 260 schools in 106 school districts in 25 counties. The state model is designed to create a self-sustaining college-going culture by working with whole schools through the adults that have the greatest impact in student life and experience: the principals, teachers, counselors, families and community leaders. The state model includes one school collaboration, GEAR UP/Valley High Collaboration, where a cohort of students is being followed from middle school through high school graduation.  By increasing the academic capacity of California middle schools, GEAR UP helps students meet the State Board of Education standards and advance toward successful high school completion and college participation.

If you attended todays event please let us know how we are doing! You can leave comments by click on the comments link above this post.

~We want to hear from you!~

Photos from our amazing event at Everett Middle School on Sept 17, 2009 celebrating National GEAR UP Day.

Thursday, September 17 at 1:00pm Everett and Horace Mann Middle Schools in San Francisco will host a collaborative “Unity University” higher education event for students at Everett Middle School. This event will include proclamations from Mayor Gavin Newsom as well as breakout activities for students engaging them in the college going culture of their school. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell will join California GEAR UP on September 18, 2009 from 8am-10am Valley High School, Elk Grove School District, Sacramento, CA.  GEAR UP schools across California will also host celebrations.   Open media and education professionals invitation. 

If you have any questions about these events, please contact California GEAR UP Communications Director: sean.brennan@ucop.edu.