Gwynedd Mercy University Receives PA State GEAR UP Grant
Gwynedd Mercy University is pleased to announce it received the PA State GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant to host a summer camp. GMercyU is one of four colleges, and the only private institution, to receive funding in Pennsylvania.
“We are pleased be selected as one of four recipients across the state for the PA State GEAR UP grant. Gwynedd Mercy University is dedicated to providing a rich learning experience with unique opportunities, and the summer enrichment program funded by the PA State GEAR UP grant will allow us to provide such opportunities to high school students as they prepare for college,” said Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD, President of Gwynedd Mercy University.
PA State GEAR UP Grant provides a cohort of students with academic supports, college access, and success services beginning in 7th grade.
The goal of PA State GEAR UP is to establish a community with a shared vision for equitable college access and success, to increase student achievement outcomes by making data-driven decisions, and to develop an everlasting college-going culture. Services are provided through the students’ first year of post-secondary education.
For three weeks during summer 2024, GMercyU will host students from three school districts as they participate in a daily math workshop, college search process session, and a session focused on career opportunities within various majors.
The 2023-2024 cohort is comprised of students enrolled in 8th and 9th grades at one of the following partner institutions:
- Allentown School District
- Norristown Area School District
- Pottstown School District
“We are excited to partner with Gwynedd Mercy University for our summer camps this coming year. We are always looking for new ways for GEAR UP students to discover what college life is like. The way GMercyU has designed its camp allows GEAR UP students to engage with different majors and get a full picture of what it would be like to be a GMercyU student,” said GEAR UP representatives.
GMercyU will address the goals of GEAR UP by providing academic support in pre-algebra and algebra to students to help prepare them for high school. Students will also explore different career paths available to GMercyU graduates by beginning the college search process and learning about GMercyU’s approach to preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives in a global society.