Gaining
Early
Awareness and
Readiness for
Undergraduate
Programs
About
GEAR UP is designed to support students from middle school through their first year of college as they explore, prepare for, and navigate
postsecondary education.
The GEAR UP Program at RCSJ serves Bridgeton City Public Schools students and their families. We are actively
recruiting students from our partner schools (currently in grades 7-11):
- Bridgeton High School
- ExCEL Program
- Quarter Mile Lane School
- West Avenue School
For more information or if you are interested in being a GEAR UP Scholar, please contact us at 856-200-4822 or
[email protected] (hablo español).
View or print the GEAR UP application:
New Student Application (English)
New Student Application (español).
Our Mission
Our
mission is to increase the number of students from the City of
Bridgeton that obtain a high school diploma and who are prepared to
enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
Program Objectives
Our
program objective is to provide students with a solid foundation that
enables successful completion of higher education programs that lead to
career fields in which persons from minority and/or disadvantaged
backgrounds are underrepresented.
The program consists of an
academic year program and a summer enrichment program that aims to
increase skills in math, science, ELA, and technology. Also, an emphasis
is placed on socio-emotional learning, cultivating self-esteem, and
developing leaders who will be prepared to navigate postsecondary
education and enter the workforce.
Services and Activities
There is no cost for participation in any GEAR UP service or activity. Transportation and meals provided when necessary.
GEAR UP Scholars will have access to:
- Academic Year and Summer enrichment programs on RCSJ Cumberland Campus
-
Academic advising and personal counseling
-
Mentoring
-
Leadership development activities
-
Cultural and educational trips
-
College visits and tours
-
College application assistance
-
Financial aid information workshops
- Parent activities
The academic year program includes a collaboration with the target school to provide academic and career counseling, mentoring, and tutoring. Saturday Academy,
which consists of instructional classes, also includes assisting with
college applications and financial aid forms and mentor workshops.
The six-week Summer Academy is
a comprehensive program designed to encourage and support rising
7th-12th grade students to improve their performance in school and
prepare to attend college. By providing academic enrichment in core
subjects, mentoring, tutoring, counseling, trips, and various enrichment
activities, GEAR UP offers a holistic educational experience to
GEAR UP Scholars every summer.
The program is supported by
funds from the U.S. Department of Education administered through the New
Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), Bridgeton
City Public Schools, and Rowan College of South Jersey.
Contact Us
GEAR UP @ RCSJ
Rowan College of South Jersey - Cumberland Campus
Student Services Building
3322 College Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360
856-200-4822 | [email protected] (hablo español)
Staff
Shanice Ruiz, Director
Email:
[email protected]
Marla Jimenez, Administrative Specialist/Data Assistant
Email:
[email protected]
Karina Bravo, Postsecondary Success Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Danielle Zimecki Fennimore, Curriculum Specialist
Email:
[email protected]
We're Hiring!
Please visit the RCSJ Cumberland Employment Opportunities page to view our available openings:
