The University of Michigan's Office of Academic Multicultural Initiitatives works collaboratively with campus and external partners to develop strategic programs that provide you resources, opportunities and experiences that enrich your academic, social, cultural, and personal development at the University of Michigan. The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), is a U.S. Department of Education discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter into, and succeed in, post-secondary education. The King-Chavez Parks Initiative (KCP) won its third GEAR UP grant in September of 2011, resulting in a $23.5 million federal award. These federal funds are matched by state and local MI GEAR UP partners, resulting in $47 million in resources over the seven-year grant cycle. Michigan is one of thirty-nine U.S. states that implements GEAR UP, and runs one of the largest programs nationwide.

Partnering with the University of Michigan's Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), Strategic Community Partners collaborated to support a cohort of 300 high school students through Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), leveraging a Saturday Academy model. Hampton Consulting Creating created a Common Application essay curriculum, which allowed Futurez (students engaged in GEAR UP) to compose and revise four essays for the Common Application during their junior year. In addition, supplemental college, career, and life readiness workshops were created and facilitated during junior and senior year, including teaching a senior seminar thrice weekly. Lastly, Strategic Community Partners created and facilitated workshops for parents and families, as well as conferences bringing Futurez and famillies together.

To learn more about the University of Michigan's Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, click here.