Pre-College: GEAR UP College Bound Program

Pre-College: GEAR UP College Bound Program

Message from the GEAR UP Director

Greetings and welcome to New Jersey City University's GEAR UP College Bound Program. We are here to deliver support services to the students and families of Jersey City who want to succeed and create new and unimaginable opportunities. Our staff, which includes administrators, counselors, mentors, and instructors, are dedicated to providing educational enrichment, leadership development, and community outreach! We strive to create an environment that inspires change in the lives of our GEAR UP Scholars and families.

It starts with a moment. The minute you register as a GEAR UP Scholar, you will always be a GEAR UP Scholar! We help prepare you for the opportunity, but you create the path!

It is the goal of NJCU's GEAR UP College Bound Program to ensure that ALL our GEAR UP Scholars actualize their full potential and pursue their lifelong ambitions

- Dr. Evelyn Ortega, Director

Who Can Participate in GEAR UP?

Students must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a GPA of at least 2.5 (C+) or better.
  • Interested in attending college.
  • 6th - 12th grade students who attend the target schools.
  • Attend one of the one of our Target Schools in the Jersey City Public School system, which include:
    • Ollie Culbreth, Jr. School PS #14
    • Whitney M. Young, Jr. School PS #15
    • Mahatma K. Gandhi School PS #23
    • Chaplin Charles Watters School PS #24
    • James F. Murray School PS #38
    • Ezra L. Nolan School PS #40
    • Martin Center for the Arts PS #41
    • Henry Snyder High School 
    • Abraham Lincoln High School
    • University Academy Charter High School

Interested in Applying?

What you’ll need to complete your application:

  • School counselor contact information
  • Application must be completed in one sitting
  • Note: If you, or your child’s school is not listed on the Pre-College website please still apply using the link above and be sure to include the accurate school information on the form.

Apply by May 1, 2023 for GEAR UP Summer Programming!

Click here to express interest in receiving an application from our staff.

News & Events

May 1, 2023 - Deadline to register for the GEAR UP Summer Program

May 20, 2023 - End of the Year Celebration (GEAR UP Scholars and families are welcome!)

Summer events, trips, and volunteerism will be posted soon.

Contact Us

Contact NJCU GEAR UP College Bound Program
Phone: 201-200-2347
Email: njcuprecollege@gmail.com

Mailing Address: 
2039 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Grossnickle Hall, Room 418
Jersey City, NJ 07305-1597

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