Mission: to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. SC GEAR UP helps students and communities to aim for college.

Description:
The area of greatest need is for volunteers in our 17 high schools throughout the state. Volunteers provide one of the most significant influences on student success. As mentors, tutors, lunch buddies, and leadership developers, volunteers expand the knowledge of our students, and provides a community support for today's youth.

History:
SC GEAR UP is a six year grant that began in Sept. 2005, and will continue until Spring 2011. SC GEAR UP is like Upward Bound, or the TRIO programs that encourage Students to aim for college. The SC GEAR UP program is federally funded by the US Department of Education and administered by the SC Commission for Higher Education. The program serves 17 schools and communities throughout the state offering academic and college awareness enrichment through volunteer opportunities, professional development opportunities for teachers, summer college tour programs, and parental outreach.

Contact people:

Donna Turbeville, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email) Tina Varick, School Support Liaison , (phone), (email) Cynthia Bennett, School Support Liaison , (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (803) 343-5893

Address:

SC Chamber Of Commerce 1201 Main Street Ste 1700 Columbia, SC 29201 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.scgearup.org