Thirty rising seniors in the Anaheim Union High School District spent a week at Cal State Fullerton this summer to gain insights into becoming college students.
Through GEAR UP University, students entering their high school year this fall at Anaheim, Katella and Loara high schools attended lectures and learned about the skills necessary for success in postsecondary education and future careers.
Students also toured the campus and stayed overnight in student housing to get a sneak peek of what it’s like to live on campus.
Since 1999, the university has received seven federal grants totaling about $42.3 million for GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). The program has served more than 10,000 Orange County middle and high school students and their families.
The GEAR UP Class of 2024 included 1,272 high school students across partner school districts. Of those students, 92% graduated from high school. Following their high school graduation, 67% of students enrolled in a postsecondary institution.
“The program’s goal is to increase students’ knowledge of higher education, strengthen college-going confidence and skills, and provide firsthand exposure to the academic and social aspects of university life,” said Martha Contreras, GEAR UP director.
During GEAR UP University, campus partners delivered workshops focused on financial aid, college transition, student wellness, campus involvement and career planning.
The university received a seven-year grant in 2021 to serve schools in the Anaheim Union High School District, beginning with students at Sycamore, South and Ball junior high schools. The program follows them at Anaheim, Katella and Loara high schools and serves 1,500 students from the Class of 2027.
Faculty members from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences who presented lectures were Volker Janssen and Stephen Neufeld, who taught history, and Maria Malagón, who gave lessons in sociology. Alexandro Gradilla introduced students to Chicana and Chicano studies.
The faculty members emphasized the rigor of college-level coursework, including required reading and academic writing. They also shared the importance of identifying mentors and participating in academic support programs, such as tutoring and counseling.
Gradilla, associate professor of Chicana and Chicano studies, gave the high schoolers a lesson on Latino and African American history and culture based on Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny’s music. He also gave the students a sample reading assignment of four ethnic studies articles to get a sense of what college homework assignments are like.
“Bad Bunny consulted with a Puerto Rican historian to give his current album the best historical lens for the songs,” he told students, who were surprised that Bad Bunny had done his homework to write his songs.
Gradilla said GEAR UP helps demystify college, especially for prospective first-generation college students, and gives them the tools to achieve college success.
“This program shows students that college is a gateway to another world and new possibilities — it’s about them investing in their future,” Gradilla said. “It gives them a lens into what higher education can be for them.”