MAJOR INITIATIVE: Summer Learning Camps and Academic-Year Clubs

Summer/Academic-Year Learning Projects consist of three interconnected programs, Summer Learning Camps, PD Projects for Counselors, and academic-year Explorers Clubs and are one of LA GEAR UP’s most successful initiatives.

Summer Learning Camps

At LA GEAR UP Summer Learning Camps, serious work is cleverly interwoven throughout a fun-filled and activity-packed week of student enrichment and recreation. In addition to the academic course work, campers experience life on a college campus. During this unique one-week residential experience, students stay in a real dormitory on a university camps. Meals are served in the student center or union, and campers have access to all university facilities just as if they were attending college for the first time.

Over 1500 students have applied to attend camps in the summer of 2008! Camps are offered across Louisiana at Grambling State University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, La Tech University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Unsure which camp to attend? The Explorers Camps allows students to explore a number of different fields of scientific inquiry. Each of the host universities has developed a special Camp specifically for LA GEAR UP students. Read the descriptions, to see what’s happening in the summer of 2008! All campers receive tutoring, leadership training, and college life experiences.

Tutoring
On the first day of camp, students take an ACT preparation test. These tests are also being given to all 8th and 10th grade students in Louisiana. The ACT is required for entrance to all Louisiana colleges and universities. Using results of this test, a tutoring program will be developed to help each participant succeed on the ACT.

Leadership Training
One of the goals of Summer Learning Camps is to help students develop their leadership potential. Students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential may be offered the opportunity to return to future camps as student leaders and mentors.

Experience College Life!
During this unique one-week experience, participants will stay in a real dormitory on a university campus. Meals will be available in the Student Center, and participants will have access to all university facilities just as if they were attending college for the first time. Teacher candidates, counselors, teacher cadets, and other college students will serve as counselors and guides during the entire camp. Field trips for each camp are also planned for all participants.

Finally–and best of all–there there is no NO CHARGE for students in LA GEAR UP schools!! LA GEAR UP provides transportation, living expenses, meals, materials, and all other costs associated with this camp. Students who are currently in the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade in a LA GEAR UP school were eligible to apply for 2008 Summer Learning Camps.

 Academic Year Clubs

Beginning in the 2004-05 school year, each LA GEAR UP school established an Explorers Club. The Clubs sustain summer learning throughout the academic year and provide counselor and peer support for students. Club membership is composed of students who have attended Summer Learning Camps and counselors who serve as Club supervisors. Club members accept personal responsibility for taking the necessary coursework, exhibiting appropriate behaviors, and making choices that will lead to the successful pursuit of post-secondary education. They also provide leadership for other students at their school and serve as peer models to encourage wise decision-making.

Professional Development for Counselors 

The residential summer PD for counselors, held at Louisiana Tech University, ensures school-based academic-year reinforcement of themes students experience in Summer Learning Camps. As sponsors of Explorers Clubs, counselors help develop and implement academic-year action plans centered on the academic, behavioral, and career concepts highlighted during the summer.