Agency Description: St. Olaf College is a liberal arts college with world-class programs in music and mathematics, which is also recognized for its science research, its intensive global focus and the percentage of its alumni who go on to graduate school.

Project Description: St. Olaf's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded program that works in collaboration with teachers, community partners, students and families, and St. Olaf College to annually assist 850 students from the class of 2011 at Battle Creek Middle School, Hazel Park Middle School, and Humboldt Junior High School. The goal of the program is to raise educational expectations of parents, teachers, students, and community leaders. Primary student activities include weekly classroom presentations on planning for high school and college, personal development, careers, financial aid, and study skills. Students also participate in field trips, college visits, and mentoring and tutoring programs to gain insight about college planning.

ACET services: ACET developed a evaluation and research plan, using the Logic Model to assess the efficacy of GEAR UP in increasing student outcomes and measuring the impact on students’ academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education. 

Date of Service: 2006-2008