Austin High gears up for college
Gear Up is making a difference in student’s lives one tutoring session after another.
November 05, 2009(Kathlina White, Pioneer Staff) — Across from the Counsoler’s office the program Gear Up has set up their camp.
“It’s [Gear Up] getting early awareness and readiness for under graduate. We provide tutoring in order to help out schools and students, [and] help students strive to get a higher education. A lot of kids here have parents that never went to college so this is like a glance.” Gear Up tutor, Jose Luis Mena said.
With the planning of a trip to UTEP for the sophomores, they are providing that glance.
“We have tutors from various focuses on specific subjects to help out with basically anything.” Mena said
These services mainly focus on sophomores and juniors. “If a freshman comes in asking for help we will not turn them down.” Mena said.
The last couple of years Austin High School have been at risk of closing, Our AYPs (Annual Yearly Progress) scores were ranked at 26, now we are number six.
“Going from 26 to six is good. We don’t want to end there we wan to go to number one.” Mena said.
“I like it. I’m proud of what I do. Many of these kids can accomplish a lot of things and we give them opportunities. This program offers help to be successful.” Mena said.
With tutors that enjoy what they do, and the ambition to make Austin High School the best it can be, Gear Up is making a difference in schools on student at a time.
