GEAR UP

Welcome to GEAR UP at Syringa Middle School

What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

That sounds big — but it really means this:

👉 GEAR UP helps students plan for life after high school.
👉 GEAR UP helps families understand college and career options early.

at Syringa Middle School, it means something simple and powerful:

👉 Preparing students for high school success
👉 Helping students get organized and build strong habits
👉 Teaching students how to set goals and follow through
👉 Helping students and families plan for life after high school
👉 Helping families understand college and career options early

🎒 What Does GEAR UP Help Students With?

✔ Believe in themselves
✔ Get organized and stay on top of schoolwork
✔ Prepare for high school expectations
✔ Learn about college and careers
✔ Set goals for the future
✔ Build confidence and leadership skills

Students do not need to know what they want to be yet — that’s what GEAR UP helps them figure out!

🏫 Possible Student Activities

• After-school tutoring and homework support
• Guidance to prepare for high school success
• Lessons in organization, planning, leadership, and teamwork
• College awareness activities, guest speakers, and campus visits
• Career pathway exploration, speakers, activities, and tours
• Goal-setting and confidence-building skills
• Encouragement to build everyday habits that support lifelong success

At Syringa, GEAR UP means helping students feel ready, capable, and confident before they step into high school.

What GEAR UP Means for Families

Families get help understanding college and career options, financial aid, and how to support their students’ future goals.

GEAR UP also supports parents and guardians by helping them:

--Understand college and career options

--Learn about financial aid and scholarships

--Know how to support their student’s goals

--Ask questions and stay involved

💵 Does GEAR UP Cost Anything?

No.
GEAR UP is free for students and families at Syringa Middle School.

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Idaho Department of Education to support students early.

🌱 Why Does GEAR UP Start in Middle School?

Middle school is when students:

• Begin discovering who they are and what interests them
• Build confidence in their abilities and decisions
• Develop stronger study habits and personal responsibility
• Start setting goals for their future
• Begin choosing classes that shape their high school path

Starting early helps students:

-- Build lasting confidence in their abilities
-- Explore more opportunities and future pathways
-- See themselves as capable of success beyond high school
-- Believe that college or career training is achievable for them
-- Develop the mindset that their goals are possible with effort and support

🤝 Who Can Participate?

✔ Syringa students in the GEAR UP cohort grade level

✔ All families — no applications required

📞 Questions?

If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact:

Syringa Middle School – GEAR UP Program

Heather Ehlschide - Principal

Erika Lloyd - Counselor
Phone: 208-455-3305

Questions about GEAR UP?

Contact Syringa Middle School

Phone: 208-455-3305

Heather Ehlschide - Principal

Erika Lloyd - Counselor