GEAR UP at Lake Superior State University
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a grant-funded program from the U.S. Department of Education which aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
GEAR UP facilitates student mentoring, offers workshops on college preparation and financial aid. Through the program’s goals, our students will not only succeed in and outside the classroom, but will gain the skills necessary to successfully graduate from an institution of higher education.
Fun & Engaging Workshops
LSSU’s GEAR UP Program provides students with many learning opportunities including financial literacy workshops, STEM activities, and curriculum-based career readiness cognitive exercises and lessons. Each year GEAR UP brings in a guest speaker to engage and motivate students to reach their full potential as they moved towards college or a career. Stay tuned for speaker announcements in the 2026-2027 school year.
College Campus Visits
LSSU GEAR UP allows students to tour colleges and universities. Students participate in activities and attend workshops, such as:
- Admission requirements
- Campus tours
- Career exploration
- Dining Services
- Financial aid and scholarships presentations
- Student panels
Back to School
We look forward to welcoming our Gear UP students back to campus for the 2026-2027 school year. In preparation we have been busy purchasing school supplies and more for our GEAR-UP participants.
Each Gear-UP participant will receive an LSSU Backpack, notecards, pens, pencils, calculator, notebook and much more!
Financial Literacy
LSSU GEAR UP/KCP College Day and teamed up with a financial coach that was able to do a virtual video on basic budgeting. Her name is Amber Pietrangelo, and she is a financial coach who owns her own business. Below you will find the link for the video, as well as the handout being attached for the grades specified.
This is for 8th graders, per it is recognizing the very beginning of savings, and trying to create good money habits to carry over in the future.
This video is geared for 9-12 graders.
This video is geared for 11-12 graders.
School records access authorizationOnline Resources
Khan Academy is a free website that allows students in all grade levels to get help with tutoring if they need it during their online coursework. It has everything from algebra to AP courses. Please see the attached website where students can sign up for a FREE account.
Below is an informative and engaging website to help 8th through 12th grade students understand financial literacy and the importance of budgeting and saving.
http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/resources-for-teaching-financial-literacy.html#content
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Lake Superior State University has around 2,000 students giving it the distinction of Michigan’s smallest public university.
Our social media is a great way to see the superior experience students are having at Lake Superior State University. Check out #MyLakeState to see what life is like at LSSU!
