Hey Steve, it’s Abreyana, I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for me this year! If it wasn’t for gear up, especially you, I really don’t think I would have finished a college application or any scholarships. The gear up program was so amazing and north high is so lucky to have you guys there. You helped me through a lot this year at school and at the boys and girls club. I got in contact with the lady for my nipmuc scholarship and I finally did it... well not really me, my aunt did it but I won’t need to take out any students loans! This fall I’ll be attending umass Dartmouth for health and society. Hopefully I actually get to go to college because this pandemic is tiring now. I wish I could have had my last months in school so I can still come and bother you while my college stuff was already done. If I ever become like a billionaire doctor for Beyoncé or Michael Jordan I’ll make sure to find you. I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without you or gear up, especially because I’m the first person in my family to go to college and no one really knows about college stuff to help me. I personally knew nothing about college either so the help from gear up worked great for me. I hope your doing well! Again thank you for everything Steve! I appreciate you!
Health & Human Services High School
Lawrence High School
Currently enrolled in her Junior Year at UMass Amherst and studying abroad in Brazil.
"I loved being part of GEAR UP in high school. As a first generation student, GEAR UP gave me and many of my classmates the support we needed in high school such as attending college tours.
I feel lucky to have met wonderful staff such as, Monaliza Pena, who guided me throughout my senior year. Also, the financial scholarship that GEAR UP has provided me, has helped me experience less of a financial burden at my university.
GEAR UP Lowell
"GEAR-UP broadened my perspective on the value of life. I remember joining GEAR-UP in middle school and learning the various services offered to students.
My focus at a young age was to be different and to choose a path I liked. I wanted to be a public servant—maybe a private detective, politician, educator, or simply a community organizer. I remember always walking into the Gear-Up office with a new career or potentially new major for college. I have high dreams and I knew for my family’s sake I needed to accomplish something to help save my life. Thankfully now I completed my Bachelors at Curry College and Masters at Suffolk University, I can now help my students at MIT’s Sloan School of Management throughout their course of study."
Joaquin attended Cambridge College for Undergrad and is currently enrolled at UMASS Lowell for his Masters Degree.
"Being part of the Gear Up program was one of the best/most important decision I made in high school. The Gear Up program helped me get through high school as well as helping me have a smooth transition into college.
Without this amazing program, I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am now in life, and in my career.
I am a current teacher at a middle school here in Lawrence, and as I help my students transition from middle school to high school, I always motivate them to join Gear Up once they start their high school journey. It’s a program that serves as a great support system; as it helped me, I know it will help my students as well. "
Pyne Arts to Lowell High School
Currently enrolled in her Senior Year at UMass Lowell.
"The seven years that I was in GEAR UP definitely helped me shape the person that I am today. I credit GEAR UP for showing me how to reach my full potential, and the wonderful guidance that I received is most definitely a large reason as to why I am a dedicated and hardworking university student today."
Julie Lun graduated last May from UMass Lowell! She is currently a Masters Fellow working at Middlesex Community College's Asian Center.
"GEAR UP helped me realize higher education was the key to success. I earned my B.S. in Criminal Justice and became the 1st of 17 grandchildren to graduate college with the help and guidance of GEAR UP."
"GEAR UP helped me become the first in my family to attend college. I gained a support system where one was lacking and with that, I persevered through senior year of high school and the college application process. I am happy to be in my senior year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute studying Electrical and Computer Engineering!"
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