Welcome to the CHAMP/GEAR UP Program

The Creating Higher Aspiration and Motivation Project/Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (CHAMP/GEAR UP) serves 430 students from 7th through 12th grade in the Camden City Public School District with college access activities annually.

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Our Mission

The CHAMP/GEAR UP Program mission is to increase the number of students from Camden City that obtain a high school diploma, prepared to succeed in postsecondary education.

Program Objectives

Our program objective is to provide students with a solid foundation that enables successful completion of postsecondary programs that lead to career fields in which persons from minority and/or disadvantaged backgrounds are underrepresented.

The program consists of an academic year program and a summer enrichment program that aims to increase skills in English, math, science, public speaking, and computer literacy. Emphasis is also placed on socioemotional skill building as well as career broadening experiences. 

The program is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Education administered through the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), NJ College Bound Grant Program, Camden City Public Schools, and Rowan University.

What does the program offer?

Services offered by the CHAMP Program include:

• After-school tutoring
• Saturday Academy
• Academic advising and personal counseling
• Mentoring
• Leadership development activities
• Cultural and educational trips
• College visits and tours
• College application assistance
• Financial aid information workshops
• Scholarships
• PSAT and SAT preparation classes
• Parent activities
• A 6-week summer program