GEAR UP Event at Ironton Campus to Encourage Students to Pursue Goals Through College Education

Contact: Jeff Handley, (740) 533-4600

ATHENS, Ohio (May 10, 2000) -- More than 500 southeast Ohio-area students and residents will be challenged to consider the rewards and possibilities of a college education during the GEAR UP kickoff event on Ohio University's Southern Campus in Ironton on Thursday, May 11.

GEAR UP is a national initiative that is designed to encourage young people to develop high expectations and pursue their goals through education, including undertaking challenging coursework in middle and high school to prepare for college.

Thursday's program in Ironton includes:

• 3 p.m. press conference at Ohio University Media Center, Ohio University-Southern Campus;
• 4 p.m. kickoff celebration, Ironton High School Auditorium;
• 5:10 to 6:30 p.m. international festival and reception, Courtyard at Ohio University-Southern Campus.

The theme of the 4 p.m. kickoff celebration is "High Hopes for All Students" and will include an assembly for seventh-grade GEAR UP students, their parents, teachers, dignitaries and Ohio Board of Regents staff.

The reception at 5:10 p.m., "GEAR UP For a Whole New World," will include community members celebrating with students and others.

Ohio is one of 21 states to receive competitive grants from the GEAR UP program. Statewide, the Ohio Board of Regents is utilizing the funds to identify and support college-access programs in low-income rural and urban communities.

Ohio's GEAR UP program has as its goals to:

• Increase public awareness of and interest in college access programs and activities;
• Identify outstanding programs and practices for improving college preparation, with special attention to the needs of urban and Appalachian communities;
• Develop comprehensive model programs for improving college aspiration, preparation and participation;
• Develop new access products, such as materials, training courses, etc.

Following is a detailed schedule of the day's events:

10 a.m. Ironton High School Auditorium

Students receive GEAR UP portfolios

Students view media presentation on achieving goals.

3 p.m. Ohio University-Southern Campus Media Center

GEAR UP press conference

4 p.m. Ironton High School Auditorium

GEAR UP celebration program

Seventh grade band plays

Jeff Handley, welcome and introductions

Speakers:

Steve Kingery, superintendent of Ironton City Schools

Chad Wick, president and CEO, The Thomas L. Conlon Foundation

Dr. Bill Dingus, president of Ohio University-Southern Campus

Dr. Charles Bird, vice president of Regional Higher Education

Roderick Chu, chancellor, Ohio Board of Regents

Student Poetry

5 p.m. Courtyard at Ohio University-Southern Campus

International festival and reception