That’s what a North High School student had to say about GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The district-run program operates off federal funding streams, with APS receiving monthly reimbursements. GEAR UP helps students from low-income schools and socioeconomic backgrounds develop a “college-going culture.” Over the past four years, the program has mentored and assisted about 1,500 students in Akron Public Schools.
