Greenville County Schools is excited to partner with USC for GEAR UP SC! Read more about the program here! 

From the Gear Up Website:

The University of South Carolina College of Education received a $35 million Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant will serve more than 21,868 students in 36 middle schools and 27 high schools in every region of the state, moving the needle in college readiness and preparation across the state. 

Goals

The College of Education will work with school districts around the state to provide supports over seven years with goals to:

1. increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for GEAR UP South Carolina students

2. increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education for GEAR UP South Carolina students 

3. increase education expectations and knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation and financing 

4. increase preparation of teachers and staff to teach and serve GEAR UP South Carolina students

SchooLinks

SchooLinks is a comprehensive K-12 college and career readiness solution that helps districts and schools align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life.  Your student's SchooLinks account will follow them through high school. 

How do students access SchooLinks?

Students get to SchooLinks by going to their Backpack. Log into the Backpack with the regular district username and password. Once in the Backpack, click on the last icon on the bottom left called "Graduation." There will be a direct link to the student's personal SchooLinks profile. 

When will someone show me how to use this?

6th-8th grade students will be doing lessons throughout the school year with their counselors. 8th graders will also participate in Individualized Graduation Plan meetings with their school counselor and parents. During this meeting the students and parents will explore SchooLinks and look at their individual SchooLinks profiles. Students are welcome to start exploring and using SchooLinks on their own whenever they want!