PARTNERS
Access to Student Assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone (ASPIRE) - ASPIRE's goals are threefold: provide mentoring and resources to help students access education and training beyond high school; help high schools build a sustainable community of volunteer mentors; and educate students and families about the scholarship application process and other options for paying for postsecondary education. ASPIRE is working with GEAR UP to explore mentoring programs that would middle school students.
CASA of Oregon - CASA of Oregon sponsors the
Matched Education Savings Account Porgram (MESA). MESA supports students with limited financial resources in achieving post-secondary education by leveraging their savings and incentivizing positive financial behaviors. MESA is a matched savings account (also known as an
individual development account, or IDA).
The College Board - The College Board is a national nonprofit membership association whose mission is to prepare, inspire, and connect students to college success and opportunity. The College Board has provided curriculum alignment workshops for GEAR UP educators.
Education Partnerships, Inc. - Education Partnerships, Inc. is a national organization comprised of educators and consultants whose expertise is building successful, long-lasting business/education partnerships. They are providing leadership training and mentoring to GEAR UP school administrators.
Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) - Founded in 1994, ECMC, a nonprofit member of ECMC Group, is a national guaranty agency that insures loans under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. ECMC is committed to providing benefits, services, and products that really make a difference for students. ECMC produces the
Opportunities Booklet for Oregon students sponsors
College Night in Oregon in partnership with GEAR UP.
Envictus - Envictus offers a program called Navigation 101, a college and career readiness program. This web-based curriculum and case management system enables schools to seamlessly incorporate college and career preparation into their overall school improvement plans. GEAR UP schools are eligible for grants from Envictus that would entirely cover the costs associated with the Navigation 101 program.
Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) - Oregon MESA is a pre-college educational program dedicated to supporting historically underrepresented students to pursue careers in mathematics, engineering, and science. A number of GEAR UP schools have MESA chapters on their campuses.
Northwest Education Loan Association's Center for Student Success - The Center for Student Success provides information and assistance on college admissions, financial aid and scholarship search resources. GEAR UP schools are welcome to visit the center as well as work with the staff to bring informational workshops to their communities. NELA sponsored several GEAR UP middle schools' participation in their "I'm Going to College" program. This program consists of in-class lessons followed up by a visit to a college campus.
Oregon Career Information System - Oregon CIS is a web-based career exploration tool that allows users to explore their interests, learn more about careers and their related educational requirements, and create personalized education plans and profiles. GEAR UP middle schools were invited to pilot a new program especially for middle school students - CIS Junior.
Oregon College Access Network - The Oregon College Access Network exists to increase the number of Oregonians accessing educaiton and training beyond high school by connecting access professionals and organizations that work with individuals.
Oregon Community Foundation - The Oregon Community Foundation Scholarship Program, one of the largest private scholarship programs in Oregon, awards over $2.5 million annually from 200 funds. OCF's permanent endowment for scholarships now totals more than $32 million. OCF manages the investment of the GEAR UP scholarship fund.
Oregon Student Assistance Commission - The Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC) has been helping Oregonians gain access to higher education since 1959. OSAC administers a variety of state, federal, and privately funded student financial aid programs for the benefit of Oregonians attending institutions of postsecondary education. This agency was formerly known as the Oregon State Scholarship Commission. OSAC administers the GEAR UP scholarships.
Path to Scholarships - Path to Scholarships is a nationally acclaimed curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning for elementary, middle school, high school, and college students. The curriculum guides students through the process of successfully competing for scholarships. Several GEAR UP educators have been trained to utilize the curriculum in their schools.
Preparation for Instruction of Science and Math - Preparation for Instruction of Science and Math (PrISM) is a collaborative effort of seven Oregon universities—Eastern Oregon University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Portland, and Western Oregon University—in cooperation with Teaching Research at Western Oregon University, to offer graduate level courses and professional development modules in math and science that are available online, in weekend workshops, at summer institutes, or combinations of these formats. Teachers at GEAR UP schools are eligible to receive tuition assistance for these courses.
Quantum Learning - Quantum Learning is a powerful and engaging teaching and learning methodology that integrates best educational practices into a unified whole. This synergistic approach to the learning process covers both theory and practice. It has been proven to increase academic achievement and improve students' attitudes toward the learning process. These integrated, comprehensive programs turn abstract theory into practical applications that can be used immediately in the classroom. GEAR UP sponsors a Quantum Learning Super Camp for middle school students in the summer.
ReadOregon (Formerly CREADE) - The ReadOregon Consortium offers a 24-credit TSPC-approved Reading Endorsement program as well as a 12-credit literacy education program for general classroom teachers. Both programs are delivered through distance education and other flexible formats to accommodate the schedules of busy teachers. Teachers at GEAR UP schools are eligible to receive tuition assistance to take part in these programs.