Take a look at some of the Success Stories we've had submitted from school administrators, teachers, parents and students. If you have any Success Stories of your own ot share, send them to gearup@fairmontstate.edu.

GEAR UP Success Stories

1999 Success Stories Page

 "[For our school] there is no doubt that our math intervention program has had the greatest impact. GEAR UP is paying a tutor to work with students who have not been successful in math -- either in obtaining credit or on Westest.  Since GEAR UP has provided this math intervention, we have met AYP in math -- when it looked like there was no hope in meeting AYP in math. Ultimately this service has kept students in school with hopes of achieving their high school diplomas."

 "[Our most successful program has been] the tutoring program, because students are seeing improvement and trying in their academic classes."

"students and families have stepped out of their comfort zones; through the CFWV College Application Week the students applied for colleges and techincal schools... many students were accepted to the instittutions. GEAR UP provided College Goal Sunday events at local colleges.  Students and families attended the event and received help processing their FAFSA forms needed to receive financial assistance for their school beyond high school."

"The use of iPads (latest technology available) would never have been a reality in our rural county without GEAR UP funds."

"Probably one of the areas of greatest impact has been academic rigor. This year we have 51% of our senior class taking dual credit courses through [the local college] -- some are carrying as much as 14 hours.  Most of these students are taking as many classes as they can because of GEAR UP funding."

 "[In regards to technology provided by Fairmont State GEAR UP] Our teachers are more effective 21st Century Educators since they were able to use these technology tools in their lessons."

 "The student aspects of this program are most successful at our school. Our tutoring and credit recovery programs are well attended and have been a great succss. The summer credit recovery program helped many of our students who could not afford to go to summer school and did not have transportation to go to summer school retrieve their credits."

"The ACT Prep classes, APR and dual credit classes have been quite successful. We are even adding another ACT Prep Class for the summer. Students are coming back after taking the ACT saying what help the course was and that they were better prepared because of taking it."

"College/educational trips, tutoring, ACT Prep, technology & classroom purchases, and professional development for teachers are highlights of GEAR UP's success at [our high school].  This county is quickly becoming a poor county and many of our students would not be able to afford to go on trips to colleges or anywhere else; the GEAR UP trips make it possible for them to explore what is available to them as do the purchases made for technology (iPads, laptops, personal responders, etc.). The staff development also permits teachers the familiarity with new teaching concepts to return ot hte classroom better equipped to educate our students for the 21st century."

Comments from GEAR UP sponsored Project Ample camp

• I’ve never made the connection between school and the real world but now I see how all of the things we’ve learned affect our present and our future.
• I loved the uniqueness of the classes, the diversity of teaching methods, the spirit of the people and the great amount of fun.
• If I had to recommend a learning experience, but also a camp someone would enjoy, I would highly recommend Project AMPLE.
• Project AMPLE has let me experience new ways of life and what I may want to learn in college.
• In the science session, we used instruments that I only thought I would see on television.

By a South Harrison Middle School student

"Just wanted to thank you and the staff at MAAC for a great expo. The kids really enjoyed it and caught a glimpse of some great careers in math, science, and engineering. Keep up the good work!!"

By a Grafton High School Co-Site Coordinator

Grafton High School had 3 students getting 1/2 credit towards high school graduation from Plato purchased by GEAR UP. One was in Geometry, the second was in English 9 and the last one was in 20th century. Two students are in 11th grade and the third student was able to graduate this year because of Plato. Thank you,

By: A Coordinator at Elkins High School

Fairmont State College Day was a success. Our students truly enjoyed the college tour and lunch. Many commented on the friendliness of the Fairmont State University Staff and students. Thank you very much for your hospitality.

By: A Middle School Student

I just want to say WOW!!!!! GEAR UP is so awsome! I have learned so much,and have gotten to do so much through your program. Me and my family go to just about everything you have to offer. And without you it wouldn't be possible for us to do that.

I just love all you have offered me, I won a computer , that I wouldn't have been able to get without you, I also won the poster contest which was then put on a t-shirt for my whole class. I've got to go to North Carolina to Camp Don Lee, and learned so much from that trip!!!!! And I also got to meet so many new friends. I get to go to Valley Worlds of Fun every year with my family. We have so much fun. We have gotten to go to so many things through your program that we just would not have been able to go to.

I am just so THANKFUL for everything you have done and hope you can just keep on doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the link to so many kids and families being able to get the chance to get the education that they deserve!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for families to get to do things together as a FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please just keep up the good workfuture, you sure have made a difference in so many kids' lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU THAT HAS MADE ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You From My Heart, A Student at Philippi Middle

By: A Middle School Teacher

To Whom It May Concern:

"CELEBRATING SPACE ... 50 YEARS & STILL HAVING A BLAST " was awesome, tremendous, outstanding, just a great day! Many of the teachers commented on how wonderful it was that the students were exposed to the aviation field in this way. What a wonderful opportunity for students!.