How Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR-UP) Supports College Enrollment and Success: A "Whole-Person" Counseling Approach

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Counseling Psychology Poster Session 2

Abstract

This paper documents narrative experiences from alumni who participated in the San Jose State University (SJSU) Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR-UP). The SJSU GEAR-UP program is based on an intensive school counselor-based model, grounded in Social Capital and Resilience theoretical frameworks. GEAR-UP targets low-income, first generation, and ethnic minority students and provides intensive counseling, mentoring and after school activities to maximize their academic success in school. The study found that a counselor-based ‘whole-person’ approach, with individual and cohort support provided a safe, consistent, and positive environment for GEAR-UP participants to gain confidence in themselves, allowing them to progress beyond their original educational goals.

Authors

• Dolores DeHaro Mena, San José State University

• Lorri Capizzi, San Jose State University

• Carolyn H. Hofstetter, University of California - San Diego