Tennessee Tech celebrates National GEAR UP Week with student-focused activities across the Upper Cumberland

Tennessee Tech University's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative marked National GEAR UP Week Sept. 21-25 with a series of activities designed to inspire middle and high school students and encourage them to begin exploring their higher education options.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Tennessee Tech GEAR UP helps students prepare for success after high school through academic support, college and career exploration, family engagement and mentoring. The program serves students in Clay, Overton and Warren County Schools, as well as Oneida Special School District in Scott County.

Throughout the week, Tech faculty and staff, community partners, local business leaders and educators joined students in GEAR UP schools to highlight educational opportunities and future pathways. Activities aligned with this year's theme, "Lighting the Way," and encouraged students to reflect on the people and experiences helping shape their futures.

Speakers from Tech included Darek Potter, director of the Millard Oakley STEM Center; Callie Stewart, instructor of computer science; Luke Anderson, lecturer of secondary English and Jeffery Roberts, professor of history.

Community partners from the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and local businesses also shared insights about technical education, entrepreneurship and workforce opportunities.

"One of the greatest strengths of GEAR UP is that we're able to start having these conversations with students early," said Frank Tittle, executive director of Tennessee Tech GEAR UP. "Middle school and early high school are important times for students as they begin making decisions that can shape their future opportunities. By helping students explore college and career pathways now, we're giving them time to identify their goals, build confidence and make choices that position them for success after high school, whatever path they choose to pursue. National GEAR UP Week was a great opportunity to celebrate that work, and we're grateful to the Tennessee Tech faculty and staff, community partners and educators who helped make the week meaningful for our students."

Students also participated in a variety of interactive activities throughout the week. A "Who Lights Your Way?" wall invited students to recognize the people who inspire and encourage them, with responses highlighting the impact of teachers, mentors, family members and friends.

Future-focused activities included writing postcards to their future selves, which will be returned to students one year from now, encouraging them to reflect on their goals and aspirations. Students also celebrated through themed dress-up days and door-decorating contests.

At Clay County High School, students attended a career fair organized by the Ayres Foundation. Tennessee Tech GEAR UP staff joined university departments and community organizations to connect students with information about higher education, careers and workforce development opportunities.

National GEAR UP Week is celebrated annually by GEAR UP programs across the country to promote college readiness, educational access and student achievement.