GEAR UP concludes first year, looks to future

When Libby School District was awarded the Montana GEAR UP grant in September, there was much discussion about how to implement — how to best help students.

The grant has a seven-year cycle and is designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.  

The GEAR UP grant started with the recent seventh-grade class, and will allow the school district to consecutively increase the grade levels served as students progress through middle and high school.

Libby School District’s goals for the GEAR UP grant is to increase college and career readiness services, such as tutoring, financial aid information, enrollment in rigorous academic courses, comprehensive mentoring, college visits, supplemental curriculum materials and professional development for school staff.  

As the initial year came to a close, this year kicked off with opportunities for the Libby seventh-grade class ranging from community career exploration to a summer college camps.  

The Libby GEAR UP team focused on increasing mathematic academic performance through afterschool tutoring, science/technology/engineering/mathematics career education, robotics, and math enrichment.  

Furthermore, the students were able to participate in a college visit to Flathead Community College and celebrate with a Graduation Matters ceremony after the college visit.  

With the continued funding and guidance of the Montana GEAR UP Project, Libby School District will ensure all students’ college and career readiness through academic preparedness, postsecondary planning, and financial aid knowledge so that they may succeed in their education beyond high school.