GEAR UP ALABAMA

WHAT IS GEAR UP ALABAMA? GUA is a University of Alabama at Birmingham project that focuses on serving students in the Black Belt region of Alabama GUA has built an infrastructure of districts in the BBR to effectively prepare students for post secondary education

Funding This 7 year grant was funded for $24.5 million (actual money) There is a required dollar-for-dollar match of “in-kind” for $24.5 million The total value of the grant is $49 million However – We receive $3.5 per year and it must be renewed each year. Justifications and documentation must be provided for continued funding. – This amount must service our 9300 cohort students, along with their parents, and teachers. This also includes administrative expenses. – This is a “seed” from the federal government.

GUA’s Six Regions Region 1 (Lanora Emziah, RC ) Region 2 ( Drs. Claudia Williams and Prentiss Coleman, RCs) Region 3 (Elaine Munn, RC) Region 4 (Valerie Crawford, RC) Region 5 (Dr. Samantha Briggs, RC) Phenix CityMontgomery Public Schools Butler CountyWilcox CountyPerry County Russell CountyDallas CountyDemopolis CityHale County Macon CountySelma CityChoctaw County Pickens County Bullock CountyLowdnes County Sumter CountyGreene County Pike CountyLinden City Barbour County/City Marengo County

What is GUA’s Goal? The overlying goal for this project is to significantly increase the number of low- income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

The national average for the PLAN is 17.2; Alabama state average is 16.7; for BBR 13.4 – 16.7

ACT Scores Required for Al Schools School ACT UA21 AU24 UAB20 UWA19 Troy20 UM20 ASU18

% of BBR Students Not Prepared for the Rigor of College Academic Milestone% Not Meeting Milestone Graduate high school28 % Enroll in college following their senior year of high school 54 % Place in college level math18 % Place in college level English8 %

GUA Objectives All GUA activities are to align with the grant’s five objectives.

Objective 1 To increase the academic performance and preparation for post secondary education for GEAR UP students

Objective 2 To increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in post secondary education for GEAR UP students

Objective 3 To increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing

Objective 4 To increase the percentage of GEAR UP students who enroll in and succeed in postsecondary education

Objective 5 To increase the preparation of the project teachers and staff who teach and serve GEAR UP students

HOW WILL GUA ADDRESS THESE OBJECTIVES?

GUA- A Collaborative Effort (planned by school’s team) Student School Community Targeted additional resources Parents

“Team Approach” TAVs-baseline data (desktop audit & TAV report)desktop audit TAV report PLCs – Input from school level stakeholders – Integrating pre-existing initiatives with GUA activities…it’s a matter of efficiency – Planning of activities based on school schedule and feasibility Outside resources integrated – GUA suppliers – GUA partners – Business/community connections – Faith-based/non-profit initiatives – Grant writing

GUA School Teams Regional Coordinators Site Facilitators Team-Leaders School Administrator Counselor Department chairs or designees (core and elective) Parent representative Community leader Business leader

What is a “Regional Coordinator”? GUA identified personnel assigned to a specific region Acts as the liaison between GUA PI and PD. Works with “partners” to connect school needs with partner offerings Coordinates/facilitates regional meetings, trainings, and professional development activities Works with districts and schools to insure compliance of GUA objectives Meets with district and school administrators to insure positive relationships between GUA and school personnel Oversees activities/duties of the site facilitators and team leaders of the designated region Acts as the first level of approval for GUA activities and/or expenses Helps create monthly and weekly reports for GUA, district, and school use Helps identify “outside” enrichment programs and scholarship opportunities for GUA cohort students Helps site facilitators and team leaders as needed

What is the “Site Facilitator”? GUA/School District identified personnel assigned to a specific school site Acts as the liaison between GUA PI, PD, and Regional Coordinators Helps to identify “site specific” needs and coordinates activities associated with addressing those needs, to include teacher PD. Identifies possible community resources that may assists with GUA objectives Works with community organizations and other entities to address site specific needs Helps coordinate/facilitate additional student, faculty, parent evaluations Provides instructional mentoring-training Coordinates team meetings Gathers and analyzes school data Helps create monthly and weekly reports for GUA, district, and school use Helps coordinate/facilitate parent workshops geared towards helping parents become better prepared to support their child’s educational process and success

What is the “Team Leader”? Administrator recommended active faculty member Works closely with “site facilitator” in identifying and coordinating GUA activities Helps “site facilitator” become acclimated with school culture and climate Helps facilitate team meetings Helps facilitate faculty professional development Provides instructional mentoring-training Helps with GUA school reports

Communication Flow

Current GUA Suppliers ScholarCentric (Resiliency analysis and reports, PD) ePrep (ACT computerized training for instruction and preparation) Kaplan (PD/materials) Southern Regional Education Board-SREB (Site visits, baseline data for school team data driven decision process, PD) Regions Bank (Literacy Training, family incentives) Spectrum (Evaluation and fund-raising) Auburn University (Coordinators of summer programs- enrichment and remediation)

Partners University of Alabama at Birmingham Auburn University University of Alabama Alabama State University University of Montevallo Troy University University of West Alabama Alabama 2-Year College System Alabama State Department of Education Black Belt Community Foundation Regions Bank AHEC (Alabama Health Education Centers) ALHAC (Alabama Health Action Coalition

Possible Community Resources Partnering with community based organizations (boys/girls club), faith-based community (after school programs), fraternities/sororities Local Business-Soliciting incentives and fund- raising opportunities, providing input in team meetings, providing real-world experiences for student learning Industries- Making connections to leverage real- world connections, job shadowing, internships, and scholarship opportunities

GUA example activities for students Programs to Prepare Students Academically for College Academic Advising Tutoring Summer Activities: Core Subject Summer Academy, Transition Programs Dual Enrollment, remediation, enrichment, and advanced track Increase rigor in coursework Introducing Students to Higher Education: College Tours, College Bridge Program Preparing and Taking College Entrance Exams

GUA example activities for teachers Individual and Group Professional Development Instructional Coaching Collaborative planning using internal and external resources to increase rigor and transference Celebrations for innovative teaching

GUA example activities for school counselors College Counseling Training Initiative: increase the knowledge and skills of counselors who advise students on their postsecondary aspirations. Work with the ALSDE (College and Career Ready counselors, PD, additional resources)

GUA example activities for parents Student and Parent Academic, Career, and Financial Counseling through College and Career Readiness & Financing Workshops 21st Century Certificates at Parent/Student Kickoff

GUA’s Focus The central goal of GEAR UP is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Programs and initiatives must be aligned to this central goal.

GUA’s Focus The federal government mandates that most of GEAR UP activities are tied to direct services for our students. We appreciate any suggestions you may have for GEAR UP Activities. Please make sure your suggestions are tied to our objectives and student services.