MANSFIELD, PA—A group of ninth grade students from Norristown, Allentown, Lancaster and Harrisburg were at Mansfield University July 17-20 to “GEAR UP” for their futures.
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
The Mansfield GEAR UP program was the first of a three year Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) funded grant program known as GEAR UP-3, which focuses on students who will graduate high school in 2020.
The students spent three days learning about emergency response, chemistry and aquatic life as it would respond
to a hazardous chemical leak into the waterway. The students were presented with a simulation of a hazardous chemical spill in the Tioga River.
They gained hands-on experience with emergency response equipment and apparatus, experiments with chemical reactions and the determination of the pH of a 
solution and the determination of numbers and types of aquatic animals in the river.
The students also reviewed presentation skills and provided a simulated press conference on the various status of the simulated emergency.
Also during their time at MU, the students also received information on the programs of study available and the admissions and financial aid process.
The students were also able to participate in activities at 
the low ropes course, Decker Gymnasium Pool and the Kelchner Fitness Center climbing wall, among other activates
GEAR UP is a nation-wide, college readiness grant initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of GEAR UP-3 is to increase student achievement through data-driven decisions, develop a sustainable college-going culture, and establish a shared community vision for equitable college access and success.
To learn more about the program, go to pagearup.org