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Â鶹ÒùÔº Celebrates National GEAR UP Week, September 22-26
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | (NJCU) and its Pre-College: GEAR UP College Bound Program are proud to celebrate National GEAR UP Week from September 22-26, 2025. This week highlights the ongoing success of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a college access initiative that equips students and their families with the essential support and resources needed to achieve college success.
This year’s national theme is "Planting Seeds, Growing a Nation." This event aims to raise awareness about the positive impact of the program by celebrating student achievements, fostering partnerships, and highlighting the resources available for college and career readiness.
Since its inception in 1999, GEAR UP has enhanced and supported educational outcomes for millions of low-income, minority, and disadvantaged students across the United States. The program plays a critical role in empowering local youth, offering essential resources for higher education, and fostering a supportive community at NJCU—an investment in the future success of the community. Currently, NJCU’s Pre-College GEAR UP College Bound Program serves over 400 students.
The program serves students in grades 6 through 12 who have expressed an interest in attending college. Eligible students must be a Jersey City resident and attend one of the following schools: Ollie Culbreth, Jr. School P.S. #14; Whitney M. Young, Jr. School P.S. #15; Mahatma K. Gandhi School P.S. #23; Chaplain Charles Watters School P.S. #24; James F. Murray School P.S. #38; Ezra L. Nolan School P.S. #40; Martin Center for the Arts P.S. #41; Henry Snyder High School; Abraham Lincoln High School; Innovation High School; and University Academy Charter High School.
NJCU President Andrés Acebo praised the program, saying: "This week we proudly celebrate GEAR UP Week and the transformative impact of our Pre-College GEAR UP program on our campus and throughout our community. Equitable access to higher education remains a cornerstone of NJCU's mission. Our commitment to breaking down barriers doesn't begin when students enroll here—it starts when young people first envision their futures and need the support to make those dreams achievable. For more than two decades, our GEAR UP program has provided essential resources and guidance to students and families, demonstrating that higher education is not just an aspiration but an attainable reality. This week serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing dedication to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the tools and support necessary to succeed in college and beyond."
NJCU double alumnus Alan Cruz ‘22 and ‘24, Director of GEAR UP Pre-College Programs, said: “GEAR UP is an anchor in the Jersey City community, and it continues to grow each year. As we celebrate National GEAR UP Week, we are reminded of the powerful role GEAR UP plays in transforming lives. Our program is more than academic support—it is a commitment to opportunity, and future success. At NJCU, we are proud to walk alongside our scholars and families as they navigate their path to college and beyond. Together, we continue to build a community where every student’s potential is recognized, nurtured, and realized.â€
Jonelle Knox, Ed.D., Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, Student Success, and Retention, noted: “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for the continued funding of the NJCU GEAR UP program. Over the past year, we have grown our program from 250 to more than 400 scholars, doubled the number of students participating in dual enrollment and enrolling at NJCU, and earned national recognition from NCCEP for our advocacy. As we celebrate National GEAR UP Week, these accomplishments highlight not only the impact of NJCU’s GEAR UP program, but also the power of GEAR UP to change lives across the country.â€
This year, NJCU’s GEAR UP Pre-College Program is celebrating National GEAR UP Week with its 3rd Annual GEAR UP Banquet, set for Friday, September 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call 201-200-2347 or email njcuprecollege@gmail.com.
As a part of this year’s celebration, program leaders are encouraging all families to support GEAR UP by signing a letter to local legislators at .
Additionally, as part of NJCU’s celebration of the 2025 National GEAR UP Week, the program continues its Parent and Alumni Association. The goal of the association is to encourage parent involvement while building community, advocacy, and supporting student success. If you are interested in serving on this important board, please contact Stevanie Rhim, Program Counselor, at srhim@njcu.edu.
Â鶹ÒùÔº NJCU:
Â鶹ÒùÔº is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, Â鶹ÒùÔº, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Consistent with our mission, NJCU is recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, ensuring students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of Â鶹ÒùÔº.
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Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301