University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) takes pride in its mission to make a positive influence in its surrounding community. A new national education program called GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is an example of USP’s commitment to students and teachers within the West Philadlephia and University City Clusters. On Thursday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m., USP will welcome 10 middle school teachers to its campus at 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue to take part in a teacher development workshop that will help them to better educate their students on science.

"The workshop will be interactive and will provide teachers with the tools that they will need to help their students become interested in science," said Lois Peck, GEAR-UP project director. "Each university in the area has its own special niche, and USP is committed to focusing on teacher development and helping students to learn about science and health careers.

"Aside from the workshop, we also plan on bringing seventh-grade students on campus to let them see what a college is like and what they need to do between now and the time they become seniors in high school," added Peck, who is also director of the science teacher certification program and associate professor of biology at USP. "This is our way of giving back to the community and making a positive difference in the lives of young students."

GEAR UP is funded by the federal government through the United States Department of Education. The national grant program was the legislative brainchild of Philadelphia’s own Congressman Chaka Fattah. GEAR UP began across the county in September. USP is a part of the University City and West Philadelphia Clusters, two of the seven Philadelphia School District Clusters participating in the program.

The Philadelphia GEAR UP Network was awarded a grant of $27.9 million over five years with $3.34 million in the first year. This is the second largest GEAR UP grant in the nation. The Philadelphia Network partnerships will provide GEAR UP services to more than 4,000 sixth- and seventh-grade students in the first year of the five-year program.

For more information about USP’s workshop or its participation in GEAR UP, contact Lois Peck at (215) 596-8922.

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is a private, coeducational institution founded in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America. USP specializes in educating students for rewarding health and science careers through its ten bachelor's, ten master's and four doctoral degree programs in the health and related sciences.

###