GEAR UP PROGRAM
College-Career Readiness and Educational Opportunities (C-CREO) Gear Up helps students in Santa Cruz County prepare for a more vibrant future by pursuing post-secondary education opportunities.
Funded through a grant from the Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), students participate in mentoring, career awareness presentations, job shadowing, internships, college and industry tours, and college bridge programs.
C-CREO Gear Up is managed by the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office.
THE 4 PILLARS OF THE C-CREO GEAR UP PROGRAM
CAREER IDENTITY
Students participate in mentoring, career awareness presentations, job shadowing, internships, college and industry tours, and college bridge programs.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
Students cultivate persistence and problem-solving skills, enabling them to take on challenges and handle tough situations.
PERSISTENCE
Students receive after school and summer training, tutoring, enrichment courses and programs, academic assistance and planning.
COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING
Students develop a personalized educational college and career academic roadmap, leading to a high-quality education that meets their unique needs.
EMPLOYEES WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA EARNED ABOUT $692 A WEEK, WHILE EMPLOYEES WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE EARNED ABOUT $1,156.
Benefits for Generations to Come
The benefits of a college degree listed below are great reasons to pursue a post-secondary education: You’ll be happier, healthier, and wealthier, and these benefits will echo for generations to come.
• Increased Earnings
• Increased Employment Rates
• Social Mobility
• Job Benefits
• Recession Protection
• Less Likely to Have “Bad Debt”
• Happiness and Job Satisfaction
• Opportunities to Explore Careers
• Personal Development
• Health Benefits
