Wichita State University’s Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness
for Undergraduate Programs) is a college access program that is federally funded through
the U.S. Department of Education designed to help students in foster care prepare
for post-secondary education.
KKGU offers a variety of free services to participants that help them gear up for
a postsecondary education. Services include college exploration and visits, academic
skill building, career exploration, mentoring, life skill building, ACT / SAT workshops,
financial literacy, financial aid workshops, program orientation, scholarship opportunities,
summer programs, educational field trips, recognition ceremonies for students and
teachers, college portfolio preparation and quarterly newsletters.
Eligibility
Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP is a U.S. Department of Education funded program with Wichita
State University as the administrator of this program. Children in foster care are given top priority for services.
In order to be eligible for Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP, students must: Be in foster care and attending a middle or high school in the region, OR be currently in state custody and attending a middle or high school in the region.
If you have participated in KKGU and are currently a senior in high school, or are
a current college student (who has participated in KKGU), you may be eligible to receive
a scholarship from KKGU. These awards are need-based, can be up to $3,000 per semester
and are specifically intended for eligible KKGU students.
KKGU is a statewide program that branches out into six regions that provide educational
resources to help middle and high school students succeed. We work to increase the
number of students in foster care who graduate from high school fully prepared for
enrollment in postsecondary education.
These components augment instruction provided by schools and foster care facilities.
Activities include: mentoring, counseling, workshops and visits to postsecondary institutions
and community businesses. These visits reinforce our student's educational pursuits.
Student's progress in instruction, mentoring, and workshops is assessed monthly.
Summer Programs
Summer activities allow students to keep up with classmates, advance skills, build
confidence and progress toward their goals. Postsecondary prep, mentorships, reading,
math, English, career and computer instruction are offered. Students are encouraged
to apply for TRiO, Health Careers Opportunity and other programs that support their
development
Saturday Activities
Saturday schedules include college and career field trips. Staff and volunteers offer
innovative instruction to excite students about education. Special banquets and sessions
with guest presenters are held for academic and social enrichment, as well as to recognize
individual student and collective achievements.
College Prep
Planning packets with instructions on college admissions and financial aid are designed
for middle and high school students. Parents and students receive technical assistance
— one-on-one and in groups — for test prep, college application completion, developing
essays and strategies for handling college interviews.
Student Support Partnerships
Through student guidance, students are able to interact with individuals who support
and encourage their educational, career and personal goals. Project and partner agencies
provide training to mentors, who include university students and community volunteers.
Enrichment Activities
Enrichment activities support students' personal growth by offering experiences that
connect them with history, traditions, and community events.
Goal: Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for
GEAR UP students.
Objective 1: 80% of students enrolled in secondary school are on track for graduation at the end
of each grade.
Objective 2: 60% of KKGU students will pass Algebra 1 or its equivalent by the end of 9th grade.
Goal: Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education
for GEAR UP students.
Objective 3: Each project year, 70% of participating high school seniors will complete a secondary
school diploma or its recognized equivalent and 60% will enroll in a postsecondary
program.
Objective 4: 70% of the graduating seniors enrolled into college-level Math and English will not
need college remediation.
Goal: Increase education expectations for participating students and increase students
and increase student and family knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation,
and financing.
Objective 5: Each project year, 80% of graduating seniors in foster care submit the FASFA application.
