Gear Up Mississippi Summer College Exploration and Math Academy
June 14 – July 3, 2009
GEAR UP In the News
Summer School + Math = Future College Grads? GEAR UP Hopes That's the Equation for Success
Around 150 rising eighth-graders are getting a taste of college life over the next few weeks. MPB’s Cari Gervin has more on one program at Ole Miss.
For full story and audio, click here.
Why Attend?
The GEAR UP Mississippi Summer College Exploration and Math Academy at the University of Mississippi provides students entering the eighth grade from GEAR UP school districts an opportunity to get a taste of college life. Students prepare for post–secondary education by living on the Ole Miss campus for three weeks and participating in college exploring sessions with University of Mississippi faculty, administrators, and staff.
In an effort to improve basic math and algebra skills, students are enrolled in a Compensatory Mathematics course. This course provides students an opportunity to earn a 1/2 Carnegie unit that may be counted by their high school toward elective graduation requirements*. Moreover, the GEAR UP experience allows participants the opportunity to make new friends and contacts, learn time management, and improve study habits.
* Whether or not credit is counted toward graduation requirements is determined by the student’s high school.
Who Can Apply ?
Because the GEAR UP Mississippi Summer College Exploration and Math Academy at The University of Mississippi is a grant program, student must meet specific requirements:
- The applicant must currently be a seventh–grade student in good academic and conduct standing.
- The applicant must be from a middle school in one of the GEAR UP Mississippi School Districts.
- The applicant must have permission from his or her principal.
- A final copy of the applicant’s school transcript must be submitted at the end of the academic year
When Does It Take Place?
The GEAR UP experience will be held June 14 to July 3. Students attending must complete the full three weeks, including the final exam, in order to be eligible to receive the high school credit for the Compensatory Mathematics course. Students may not miss class for any reason unless approved by the director. Class size is limited so interested students should apply early.
What Goes On?
Students will attend a morning class session from 8:15 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a break for lunch. A second class session will be held from 12:00 to 2:45 p.m. At the conclusion of the second class session, students will have exploring sessions with Ole Miss administrators, faculty, and staff. Afterwards, students will have a group recreation time in which they bond with each other, learn about campus, meet with current students to discuss current events, and generally decompress from the day. Following dinner, students may take advantage of additional supervised study time, computer lab time, or study groups, as well as some free time to just “hang–out.” Because the days are long and full, we do have a curfew that is strictly imposed.
For those who choose to stay over the weekend, we have planned chaperoned activities (though students may go home if they wish). Students are taken off campus in University vans for movies, swimming, outdoor recreational activities, as well as on-campus events like the Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Summer Concert Series, etc.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no cost to participating GEAR UP Students. This program is funded by a grant from IHL, GEAR UP Mississippi, US Department of Education and the University of Mississippi. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the Oxford Campus of the University of Mississippi.
How Do I Apply?
You MUST complete the registration form and return it to your school’s site coordinator as soon as possible. Once you are accepted to the program, your site coordinator will notify you and the Division of Outreach. The Office of Pre–College Programs will mail you a letter with detailed instructions about the program. We will maintain a waiting list in case some students decide to withdraw their application. First come, first served.
When is the Deadline?
The application must be completed and returned to your school’s site coordinator no later than April 10, 2009. Space is limited. Hurry!!!!
If you have any questions, email Jason Wilkins at jewilkin@olemiss.edu or call us at 662-915-7621