Kathleen Patrick Hughes

TUSCALOOSA, Ala -- Kathleen Patrick Hughes has been named manager of the GEAR UP Program.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, GEAR UP, housed in The University of Alabama Center for Teaching and Learning, is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Through community partnerships, it provides area youth a variety of services and opportunities that helps them be successful and prepare for post-secondary education and future careers.

Hughes holds degrees from UA and the George Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University. She has served in educational and civic positions, most recently as coordinator of the Juvenile Mentoring Program, funded in 2002 by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, providing one-to-one mentoring services to Holt High and Davis-Emerson Middle School students. Hughes began as manager of GEAR UP in August.

The GEAR UP program offers some 900 students at Holt High School and Davis-Emerson Middle School academic, cultural, community and college resources to assist them, their parents and teachers. GEAR UP provides these area students in grades 7-12 after-school academic tutoring, mentoring, cultural and educational field trips, creative arts experiences and opportunities for community service.

The program also sponsors special events such as career days, test preparation workshops, financial aid and college admissions resources for students and parents, and supports professional development for school faculty through ACER (Alabama Consortia for Educational Renewal) housed in the UA College of Education.

The original GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $1.1 million was supported by a 50 percent dollar match of cash and in-kind contributions from local community partners. GEAR UP primary partners include the UA College of Education, School of Social Work, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Student Financial Aid and the Center for Teaching and Learning. Additional primary partners include the Office of the Superintendent of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, Shelton State Community College, Holt High School, Davis-Emerson Middle School and the Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center.

The University recently received notice from the U.S. Department of Education that GEAR UP funding will be extended through a sixth year, 2005-2006.

During this sixth year, GEAR UP will work to establish local program sustainability as it continues to provide unique opportunities for students to see places, gain knowledge and learn life skills.

Through GEAR UP, the UA School of Social Work assigns two MSW students to work as interns at Holt High School. The Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center also partners with GEAR UP to provide services to students and families. During the summer, GEAR UP partner Shelton State Community College supports the Summer Enrichment Academy which is available to rising 7th and 8th grade students. The students work with certified teachers and other professionals as they prepare for upcoming curricula in math, English and reading. Students also experience a variety of fun and educational trips to area institutions and museums.

GEAR UP welcomes volunteers to assist the staff with after-school academic tutoring and mentoring. There are also opportunities for in-school tutoring assistance.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Kathleen Hughes, GEAR UP Manager, The University of Alabama Box 870304, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0304, khughes@ctl.ua.edu, 205/348-3467.