Miami GEAR UP (MGU) is a 7-year grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education.
MGU offers a variety of services and early intervention programs to help make college possible for everyone. MGU not only helps students, but also has programs for parents, teachers, and schools, ensuring success for all. Miami GEAR UP is proud to provide services at specified Miami-Dade County Public Schools, to help students develop the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in post secondary success. The seven schools are:
Through Summer 2025
- Cutler Bay Middle School
- Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School
- Lamar Louise Curry Middle School
- Richmond Heights Middle School
Fall 2024 – Summer 2029
- Felix Varela Senior High School
- John A. Ferguson Senior High School
- Miami Southridge Senior High School
Our Goal
The goal of Miami GEAR is to improve college-going mindsets, high school graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment rates through a wide range of research-grounded services to students, families, and teachers.
Our goals and objectives:
- Increased academic performance and preparation for post secondary education
- Increased high school graduation and participation in post secondary education
- Increased student and family knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation and financing
- Increased post-secondary success
- Professional development for teachers
Services
All MGU services are directly tied to the goals of increasing the number of students who graduate high school, are academically ready for college and enroll in and complete post secondary education.
Miami GEAR UP services include activities that promote:
- Comprehensive mentoring
- Outreach
- Supportive services to middle and high school students including information regarding:
- Financial aid
- Enrolling in rigorous academic curricula to reduce the need to take remedial coursework in college
- Graduating high school
- Applying and enrolling in college
Meet the Staff
Dr. Lisa Gonzalez
Project Director
Ldecast1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-2591
Ms. Catherine Cruz
Assistant Director
Ccruz7@mdc.edu
(305) 237-0303
Mr. Antonio Gonzalez
Budget/ Administrative Support
Agonza80@mdc.edu
(305) 237-0363
Mr. Bryan Lagae
Data Coordinator
Blagae@mdc.edu
(305) 237-2302
Mr. Steven Peruyero
Program Coordinator, Lamar Louise Curry Middle School
Speruye2@mdc.edu
(305) 237-0407
Mrs. Lissette Gil
Program Coordinator, Richmond Heights Middle School/ Cutler Bay Middle School
Lgil1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-2364
Mr. Emmanuel Mena
Program Coordinator, Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School
Emena1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-0377