Eighth and ninth grade students from Russellville and Clarksville are learning about some of their future academic and career options by sampling the undergraduate degree offerings at Arkansas Tech University during GEAR UP summer camps.
Camp participants are learning about agriculture, anthropology, aquatic ecology, astrochemistry, astrophysics, computer science, drawing, marketing, printmaking and tourism through a series of 50-minute presentations by ATU faculty members. The lectures include opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, interactive learning.
Each day of the camp begins with a morning meeting that focuses on topics such as ethics, individuality and communication. Attendees also participate in a career fair and complete a project that they present on the final day of the camp.
The first session of the camp took place June 15-18, while the second session is scheduled for June 22-25. In all, approximately 90 students will participate in the summer 2026 GEAR UP camps at Arkansas Tech.
ATU was one of 26 educational entities across the United States chosen for a GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.
The grant, which is anticipated to last seven years and total $6.1 million, will allow ATU to serve more than 1,100 students from the Clarksville School District and the Russellville School District.
Goals of the ATU GEAR UP program are to increase the academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education of participating students; increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in post-secondary education; and educate students and their families about higher education options, preparation and financing for success in post-secondary education.
Arkansas Tech was the lone educational entity in the State of Arkansas that received a GEAR UP grant for the 2024-25 cycle. ATU GEAR UP staff members will continue working with the same cohort of Russellville and Clarksville students all the way through their graduation from high school.
Learn more about the ATU GEAR UP program at www.atu.edu/ceh/gearup.php.
