Columbus State University will host a GEAR UP Georgia schools kick-off event for 900 ninth-grade students on Sept. 25 in the Lumpkin Center from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. GEAR UP or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a statewide program whose goal is to increase postsecondary access and success for more than 12,000 high need students in more than 40 schools.
 
The event will host all ten Columbus area high schools and will feature CSU Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Deborah Bordelon, Muscogee County Superintendent David Lewis, and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson. Co-Founder of the Student Success Agency E.J. Carrion will be guest speaker for the day. Students will also have the opportunity to hear first-hand testimonials about college from CSU Athletic Director Todd Reeser, CSU SGA President Winston Black, and members of Greek life.
 
In 2016 Georgia received its first statewide GEAR UP Grant, a seven-year $21 million-dollar award from the US Department of Education. Through this grant, a cohort of 2022 GEAR UP Georgia students are provided with supportive services, preparation for postsecondary education and careers, and support through their first year of college.