The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education will prepare middle school and high school students for college access and success. The seven-year GEAR UP project provides multiple academic activities and services for students through high school and their freshman year in college. It also provides extensive professional development for teachers and counselors.
Established in 2015, the UC Merced CEP’s Gateway Scholars Program is a privately funded program designed to provide students with ongoing academic advising to ensure that they successfully complete the required college preparatory courses (the “a–g” course pattern) to become eligible to apply to four-year colleges/universities. The Gateway Scholars Program’s primary purpose is to significantly increase the number of students from under-resourced schools who are prepared to enroll and attain a post-secondary education with a focus on subject-borderline students in need of early intervention.
The Parent Empowerment Program was established in 2004 through a grant from the California Student Aid Commission. Its primary purpose is to empower parents to clearly understand how to help their children navigate the many issues related to financing higher education and attending a college or university.
In 2006, the Center for Educational Partnerships received a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement the Talent Search Program at Delhi, Le Grand, Orestimba, El Diamante, Strathmore and Corcoran high schools. The program provides academic, career and financial counseling to participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the post- secondary school of their choice.
Established in 2005, the Transfer Scholars Program works with high school students who are community-college bound and seeks to inform and advise them on aspects related to transferring from a community college to a four-year college or university.
Established in 2000, the UC Scholars Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) was the Center’s first program. The program provides students with ongoing academic advising to ensure that they successfully complete required college preparatory courses. UC Scholars EAOP students and their families receive the necessary information and motivation to prepare for postsecondary education, including assistance in the application and financial aid processes.
Upward Bound provides program participants with academic advising, after-school tutoring, mentoring, monthly Saturday academies, college visits, and a summer residential program. The UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships’ Upward Bound Program was established in 2007 and tasked with developing and implementing a solution to the low rate of students entering postsecondary institutions. In 2017, it expanded to Gustine High School.
The Upward Bound Math and Science Program strengthens participating students' math and science skills. The program aims to help students recognize and develop their academic potential to excel in math and science and encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees and careers in STEM.