#United States #Auburn University #Auburn #Alabama Education #GEAR UP Achieve

Alabama Celebrates National GEAR UP Week

In a heartfelt proclamation signed on September 18, Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey declared the week of September 22-26, 2025, as National GEAR UP Week. This initiative aims to support the educational journeys of students in Alabama, particularly focusing on college and career readiness. The GEAR UP Achieve program is currently impacting approximately 6,500 ninth-grade students across 54 high schools within 28 Alabama counties.

The Significance of the GEAR UP Achieve Program

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, highlights the crucial role of collaborative efforts between government, educational institutions, and community organizations. It focuses on creating pathways for students, equipping them with the tools needed not only to thrive in high school but also to successfully transition to higher education and the workforce.

In her proclamation, Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating how they benefit students by enhancing their educational experience and career preparation. As the principal investigator for GEAR UP Achieve, Jason Bryant noted that Governor Ivey’s backing has fostered trust and collaboration within educational communities in Alabama.

Cultivating Student Success

The 2023 launch of the GEAR UP Achieve initiative, sponsored by Auburn University, represents a long-term commitment to student achievement. Over its planned seven-year duration, the program will accompany its students through high school and into their initial years of postsecondary education. To encourage participation and completion, students who engage with GEAR UP Achieve will have access to scholarships for accredited higher education institutions.

Throughout the week, numerous legislative and local acknowledgments expressed the significance of the GEAR UP Achieve program. An Alabama Senate resolution sponsored by Senator Josh Carnley, representing District 31, further highlighted the program's essential nature, particularly for students from GEAR UP schools like Goshen High School and Pike County High School.

Important local leaders, such as Montgomery County and Pike County commission officials, also offered reflections on the positive effects of GEAR UP Achieve on their communities. Annette Scogin, the GEAR UP Achieve director, proudly accepted proclamations from various county commissions, signifying the collaborative effort to boost student engagement and success.

Mayor Support and Local Initiatives

The support from significant local figures, including Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, showcases the importance of community involvement in educational initiatives. Their proclamations and encouragement ahead of National GEAR UP Week underline the essential role that local leadership plays in furthering educational opportunities for students. As these mayors highlighted, approximately 1,438 students in Montgomery Public Schools and 1,535 students in Birmingham City Schools are set to benefit from the GEAR UP Achieve initiative.

A Bright Future for Students

As National GEAR UP Week kicks off, the focus is on activism and celebration of the program's accomplishments and ongoing efforts. With services such as rigorous coursework, guidance for postsecondary preparation, and assistance in financial aid navigation, GEAR UP Achieve is dedicated to transforming educational landscapes for Alabama students. This week serves not only as a celebration but as a call for continued support and involvement from all facets of the community.

Through these collective efforts, GEAR UP Achieve aims to create lasting pathways for academic success and career readiness, ensuring that Alabama’s youth are prepared for a bright and promising future.