Preparing New Jersey Students for College and Careers: Evaluation of New Jersey GEAR UP

This evaluation of New Jersey GEAR UP assessed the quality of program implementation and outcomes of the program implementation in middle and high schools. Findings showed that the program has met, or nearly met, its recruitment and retention goals beginning in 1999-2000 and sustaining cohorts through 2003-2004 and has provided a comprehensive set of services for developing students' awareness of educational and career opportunities, fostering the attitudes, expectations, and experiences that allow them to realize their goals; and is providing students opportunities for improving math and science knowledge and skills. The evaluation results indicated that the program participants had higher school completion rates,  academic achievement, awareness and aspiration for college, and college application and enrollment rates as compared to peers with similar demographic characteristics.