GEAR UP: Want college for your children?
These days anyone who doesn’t have some education after high school has a harder time getting and keeping a
good job. If you complete an apprenticeship, get certified in a trade, get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s
degree, you are in a much better position to make it in the changing world economy.
GEAR UP is a federally funded program to help children in low-income families get a higher education degree
or certificate.
GEAR UP staff is working in 19 different high schools in Maine to help students take the right high school
classes to qualify for programs after high school, and find ways to cover the costs. The Maine Parent
Federation’s GEAR UP program works to reach the parents of high school students and encourage them to get
involved.
Research shows that when parents talk to their children about college the children are far more likely to go.
Unless you do talk to them about higher education they may think it’s just too expensive and give up before
they even try. The truth is, there’s a college for everyone who wants to go, and financial aid for everyone
who needs it. The lower your family income, the more financial aid you qualify for.
Talk with your child and her/his guidance counselor about what you need to help your child reach their goals.
Contact Ray Cook, Maine Parent Federation GEAR Up Coordinator,
with questions or for information about
parents helping their children into higher education:
Call toll-free: 1-800-870-7746
Email: rcook AT mpf DOT org
Ray talked about GEAR UP at the
January 2008
MAIN meeting.
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