For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 07/23/03

USP's Summer GEAR UP Program for Middle and High School Students Concludes 

After four weeks of enhancing the communication, mathematics and science skills of 22 middle and high school students from the Southwest Academic Area, the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Summer Enrichment project at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) will conclude on July 31. Family and friends will join the students and GEAR UP mentors on USP’s campus, 600 S. 43rd Street, 6 p.m., Griffith Hall A, for the program’s closing ceremonies, which will include presentations on African American authors, poetry readings, banner and poster exhibits and skits relating to possible careers in the science field.

USP’s GEAR UP project was designed to provide the 22 eighth -12th graders the opportunity to generate interest in both the collegiate experience and career options in the natural sciences and health sciences. The students were actively involved in hands-on activities while exploring careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, medical technology, physics, cell biology and biotechnology.

“Too often middle and high school students in our local schools are characterized as students with low motivation and poor academic achievement,” said Lois Peck, GEAR-UP project director. “The 22 students attending the summer enrichment program are energetic, enthusiastic, and highly motivated. They have been challenged to improve their mathematics and communications skills. In addition, they are exploring college level science and careers in the sciences. Our health and nature science professors have been very impressed with their engagement levels, and their academic work.”

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. USP is a part of the University City and West Philadelphia Clusters, two of the seven Philadelphia School District Clusters participating in the program.
For more information about USP’s 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 careers through its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in the health and related sciences.

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