Gear Up FWCS - Fort Wayne Community School District

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
Class of 2024 and 2025

The Path to Your Future Starts Here

GEAR UP FWCS prepares students to pursue and succeed in their post-secondary education and careers.

Studies show that students benefit from early exposure to post-secondary knowledge, skills, and experiences. GEAR UP FWCS provides valuable exposure to college and career preparation — from structured programs, informational meetings and workshops to college visits, career visits, internships and partnerships.

Students receive individual support to pursue and achieve their educational and professional aspirations. Students can participate in a variety of programs, activities and services to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to become leaders as they further their education and careers.

The GEAR UP FWCS program is a federally funded program awarded by the United States Department of Education and is designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.

GEAR UP FWCS Increases

Students’ academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education

Students’ rate of high school graduation and participation in post-secondary education

Family knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation, and financing

Students LEARN MORE

Parents LEARN MORE

Benefits of GEAR UP FWCS

SKILLS & PROGRAMMING

Enhance skills, knowledge and abilities to succeed after high school through programs, workshops, seminars, clubs, college visits, career visits and more

COLLEGE PREP

Gain knowledge, skills and experience to prepare for post-secondary education

TEST PREP

Participate in SAT and ACT Bootcamps

SUPPORT

Receive individualized college and career readiness support from GEAR UP FWCS staff

JOB EXPERIENCE

Gain job experience through internships and job shadowing

CONNECTIONS

Connect with partners across Allen County

Here’s what our Student Advisors have to say:

"As a GEAR UP Student Advisor, I am able to help equip scholars with a better understanding of what they need in order to make the right decisions for themselves, their postsecondary education and their future. I am able to help them discover their passions, open their eyes to the possibilities and encourage them to follow their dreams. Every scholar is unique, and everyone has their own set of skills that they excel in. My hopes are that EVERY scholar realizes this, and they will all be successful in their own way."Angeliki Benge

“It fills my heart to know as a GEAR UP Advisor, I have the opportunity to enrich, motivate and transform my students’ lives. I come from a low-income household that does not believe in paying for college. Obtaining a college degree was my pathway to success, and I am committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students at FWCS. Together we will make a DIFFERENCE!”Allen Coultas

“I am passionate to be a GEAR UP Student Advisor because of the opportunities the program will provide to the students in our cohort. My hope is that each student begins to understand what value is, not only from what GEAR UP could offer, but from within themselves.”Michael Roberson

“I am passionate about being a Student Advisor because I want to be able to help guide students to achieve academic success and to give the students the knowledge, skills, and abilities in their quest for postsecondary success. By being a part of GEAR UP, I hope students learn the importance of getting a great start academically to their high school career and learn the importance of becoming college/career ready.”Tristan Young