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GEAR UP Kentucky 3.0 Summer Academy@UK will prepare students
academically and personally for college, High schoolers will be
introduced to the UK Core general education program required of all
graduates of UK. By the end of the Summer 2014 3-week residential
experience, the students will demonstrate:
increased college readiness by using written, oral and visual communication skills to produce and present
original research-based projects;
an increase in the academic and professional skills necessary to succeed in college and the workforce such as
practicing self-discipline, inclusivity, and civic engagement.
appropriate social behavior and self-awareness and be able to express confidence in their ability to succeed in
college and navigate the complexities of campus life.
General Studies Core Curriculum
In the first week, students focus their Internet-based research on a topic of their choice; learn digital citizenship
and digital media basics including blogging, copyright and intellectual property, GoogleDocs and Google+ Hangouts, and
universal design. Hands-on activities will also include video editing and green screen techniques in the KET Media Lab.
The focus of the second week engages students in independent or small group research on their selected
topic(s) and the development of an argumentative essay. Students will be introduced to web publishing tools including
basic HTML and CSS, and research strategies using UK’s online library resources and UK Special Collections/Archives.
In the third week students develop digital video Public Service Announcements (PSAs) related to their selected
topics. Other capstone projects may include public speeches. Invited guests will judge the final projects at the Friday
Night Showcase; parents will be invited to dinner and to celebrate the final event of the Academy together.
Intellectual Inquiry in the Arts & Creativity — introductory components from courses in the UK Core Program:
 Performing World Music (components of MUS 130)
 Creativity and the Art of Acting (components of TA 120)
 Introduction to Photographic Literacy and Image Analysis (components of A-S 280)
Global Citizenship — a series focusing on basic languages and cultures from around the globe, including intercultural
simulations, cooking, field trips and theme-based film festivals. A certificate will be awarded if a student completes all 3:
Week 1: Russian Language and Culture
Week 2: Arabic Languages and Muslim Cultures
Week 3: Japanese Language and Culture
AquaBots Engineering — design and construct an robot to float on and below water, design a controller, and create a
program using mathematics to attempt various challenges
Art Out of the Box! – using the power of visual arts to communicate an idea, create a 3D artifact from 2D team drawing
Artifacts-In-Action – object-based visual study at UK Art Museum, Outdoor Sculpture Garden, UK Arts in HealthCare
Business & Economics — experiential education in leadership, business disciplines, and global economy
CAFE’s "Following our Food, Learning to Lead" — develop leadership skills in multiple settings related to agriculture,
food and environment with field trips to local sites: Winchester Dairy, Ale-8-One, Food Chair & Seed Leaf
ITIQ Digital Design & Fabrication — create 2D and 3D designs for manufacturing using laser and 3D printers
ITIQ Remix Audio/Video — assemble multiple tracks of audio as well as capture and edit video
Problem-solving Utilizing the Tools of Science — interactive lessons on the four systems of the body, and interact as
teams with equipment and biological models in hands-on activities in chemistry, physics, math and deduction/reasoning.
Scratch Programming — introduction to computational thinking, using coding principles in design goals
College Café – college/career readiness programming in fun, relaxed settings in (and out of) the residence hall to give
students the opportunity to discuss the culture of college Activities and discussions led by GUK Academy staff and/or guest speakers
will focus on the everyday life of the college student, such as the importance of time management, multiculturalism on a college
campus, and getting involved in the campus community. Similar to UK undergraduate co-curricular experiences, Summer
Academy@UK will a mini-FUSION event, Common Reading Experience (CRE) book groups, Stuckert Career Center
programming (including mock interviews), and Office of Sustainability tours of the campus.
GEAR UP Kentucky 3.0
GEAR UP Kentucky 3.0 (GUK 3.0) is a six-year grant program that is funded by the U.S.
Department of Education 2011-2017. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The GUK 3.0 program serves 30 middle schools and
their corresponding high schools in 22 counties in Kentucky. Kentucky has received two previous grants (2000-2006 and
2006-2012), which is why the current program is identified as GUK 3.0.
Our mission is to build a sustainable college-going culture in schools with a high percentage of low-income students.
GUK 3.0 provides services directly to students like academic advising, life skills training (such as study skills and personal
finance), summer enrichment programs, e-Mentoring, career exploration, college tours, and help understanding the
process for applying for college and financial aid. For parents or guardians, GUK 3.0 offers services, information, and
activities designed specifically for family members, so that they can become more involved in their student’s education
and in helping them prepare to succeed in college. GUK 3.0 school improvement services focus on creating a collegegoing culture in the school building by helping school leaders use data to make decisions, create targeted plans for
improvement, and provide customized professional development. We offer:
 School Improvement Services, e.g., development of school sustainability plans to address areas of need
 Statewide Outreach, e.g., GEAR UP Gazette distributed within The Herald-Leader throughout the state
 Direct Services for Students and Parents, e.g., GEAR UP-2-Success comprehensive early warning advising model
GEAR UP Kentucky Framework for a College-Going Culture
While GUK 3.0 provide services directly to students and their families to ensure their individual success, our focus is
really about creating a college-going culture within their schools that is systemic and permanent. GUK 3.0 defines a
framework for a college-going culture that describe characteristics that must exist if schools are to achieve high levels of
college readiness. This framework is patterned on research-based concepts identified in research studies and national
publications. It focuses on five areas (AREAS):
ASPIRATION – Provide the right setting to inspire and support students’ career and college goals.
RIGOR – Demonstrate that college and career success are intricately linked to academic preparation, and ensure
that all students acquire core knowledge and skills by providing support for their success in school.
EXPECTATION – Establish clear indicators of college readiness that focus on both practical knowledge about
college life and the requirements for enrolling in college level coursework once admitted to college.
ACCOUNTABILITY – Make appropriate decisions about student readiness and school improvement using data at
every level to create a complete portrait of the student, cohort, and school.
SUSTAINABILITY – Focus on the transformation of the school environment to a college-going culture where
sustainable, systemic change is ongoing.