Summary of Specifications:
The purpose of this request is to solicit potential partners to provide contracted services under a proposal the SAISD is developing for the 2011 GEAR UP (Gaining Awareness and Readiness from Undergraduate Programs) grant competition from the U.S. Department of Education. GEAR UP is a seven-year grant program with a mission to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education. The SAISD has selected the Cohort Model, which will provide services to all 7th grade students District-wide beginning with the 2011-2012 School Year and continue services to these same students through high school graduation. The seventh year of the project will support students as they participate in their first year of postsecondary education. SAISD is seeking college and career partnerships to assist with providing students with high quality experiences and opportunities to help them to pursue higher education and career opportunities. We are seeking partnerships with organizations, agencies, or vendors to help meet the program objectives and provide the following activities/services listed below. A grant requirement mandates that a minimum of one or more partnerships be established with an institution of higher education. The GEAR UP Program has three program objectives: 1. Increase student academic performance and preparation for post secondary education 2. Increase the numbers of students who graduate from high school and enter post secondary education 3. Increase students’ and families’ knowledge of post secondary preparation, options, and financial aid Required activities include: 1. Providing information on financial aid for postsecondary education 2. Implement activities (see below) that increase the number of students who graduate from high school Activities may include but are not limited to: • Provide rigorous enhancements to core academic courses that reflect challenging state standards • Mentoring • Tutoring • College exam preparation • Staff professional development for Math, Science, and English Language Learner strategies • Opportunities beyond the school day and school year: o Extended school day activities: i.e. afterschool enrichment clubs o Summer activities: i.e. Summer Bridge Program or summer learning camps with a college and career focus o Saturday activities: community service events, college visits, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) events, robotics clubs • Seminars or workshops for fostering and improving parent and family involvement in the college readiness process • Providing special programs in STEM subjects • College and career field trips • Job shadowing or internships • Student and parent leadership workshops/seminars • Online college preparation services • Collaboration with universities/colleges to provide college immersion experiences
