Imagine a place where underprivileged students are given clothing and school supplies, are fed during after-school programs and are helped with problems like family alcoholism, abuse, eating disorders, violence and gangs. No, you are not reading about a utopian society. It’s a description of what Binghamton University’s GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) does on a daily basis.

GEAR UP, a federally funded program, targets high poverty level schools. It partners with the School of Education, the Binghamton City School District, the Parent Teacher Association and local businesses.

The program was created because for many Americans education ends at high school.

“The opportunity to progress to college isn’t apparent,” said Monica Perry, GEAR UP’s Publicity, Recruitment and Training coordinator. “This is due to a number of factors including low expectations, low motivation, lack of appropriate curriculum, instruction and support.”

GEAR UP helps increase college awareness and develop skills necessary for education after high school. It encourages students to take higher level math courses and act as supportive role models.

A federal grant follows students for six years starting at the sixth and seventh grades.

“In 2005 we started working with students in grades six and seven in East Middle School and West Middle School,” Perry said. “These students are now in grades eight and nine, and we are still working with them.”

Students are taken on trips to colleges and athletic and cultural events. During the after-school program between 3:30 and 6 p.m., students participate in activities including yoga, presentations by Planned Parenthood, career days, bowling trips, ropes courses and self-awareness workshops. The after-school program also provides homework help and food.

GEAR UP also has a four-week summer program and a ninth grade high school transition program.

Any BU student can participate in the program to become a mentor or tutor. Many School of Education students sign up for this program, as well as students from other departments and colleges. Mentors and tutors work one-on-one, with small groups, assisting in a classroom working with high-needs students or only in the after-school program.

BU students can be volunteers at a minimum of one hour per week or interns at a minimum of five hours per week. Interns also take a two credit seminar that meets for one hour a week. Many Binghamton students work for GEAR UP for two or more semesters, Perry said.

Perry also teaches the internship seminars. Students tell her about their experiences every week.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much BU students come to care about the students they work with in the schools,” Perry said. “BU students improve their interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. They have an opportunity to test career possibilities. They build their resumes. They test and strengthen their values. They help another person develop and grow.”

GEAR UP has applied for a third year of funding, starting in September, but each year the federal government threatens to cut funding for GEAR UP and other worthwhile programs like Talent Search and Upward Bound, Perry said.

For more more information, visit soe.binghamton.edu/community/gearup.html.