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The Dillon High School/SC GEAR UP participated in National GEAR UP Week 2014. This week commemorates the continuing success of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a college access program providing students and families the support and resources they need for college success.  Since its inception in 1999, GEAR UP has improved educational outcomes for millions of low-income, minority and disadvantaged students across the United States, including 246 served by Dillon School District Four at Dillon High School.

Dillon High School/SC GEAR UP celebrated National GEAR UP Week 2014 by encouraging 10th grade GEAR UP cohorts to participate in the following activities:
* On September 17, 2014, the DHS Student Ambassadors  participated in a training program in preparation for GU Week.  The workshop is called “Stand and Deliver” and will be conducted by a group of presenters from Leading to Change. The SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is sponsoring this event.  The workshop focused on making positive choices.  Participating Ambassadors shared lessons learned from this workshop during the GU Week 10th grade assembly.
Monday, September 22:
GEAR UP Week Kick-Off
Assembly was held in the Cafeteria during 1st Block.
Mayor Todd Davis signed a Proclamation recognizing September 22-26, 2014 as GEAR UP Week for the City.
Special guests were invited to assembly to support the GU objectives and encourage students both academically and personally.
Student Ambassadors presented a mini-workshop based on information and activities obtained from the Leading to Change-Stand and Deliver training session.
Tuesday, September 23:
GEAR UP Selfie Day
All Sophomores woretheir SC GEAR UP t-shirt.
GU students were given an opportunity to take a Selfie & submit to #IheartGEARUP and/or #GEARUPWorks.
GEAR UP Graduation Coaches shared GU week activities and with parents at the DHS Title I Parent Meeting. Representative from First Citizens Bank talked with parents about helping students open checking accounts.
Wednesday, September 24:
GEAR UP for College Day
Students, Teachers and Staff were encouraged to wear college attire to school on Wednesday.
Teachers were asked to share with each class a short discussion of where they went to college and how they got there.
Thursday, September 25:
Career Day-Dress for Success
Students were encouraged to dress for success.
Guest speakers for 10th grade classes (as agreed upon by teachers).
Representative(s) from First Citizens available to help students open accounts.
To date, Dillon High School/SC GEAR UP currently serves 246 students.
For more information about Dillon High School/SC GEAR UP, please contact the school and ask to speak with one of the SC GEAR UP Graduation Coaches. To learn more about the national GEAR UP program, please contact the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships at 202-530-1135 or www.edpartnerships.org.