Villanova Helps Underprivileged Kid’s Gear Up for Their College Education

By Joanna Sherman ‘02

This semester, Villanova has worked diligently with the Gear Up program, introducing middle school and high school children from high poverty areas of Philadelphia to the benefits of a college education.  In March, the biology department held an interactive seminar called “Career Exploration Day” to educate the students about the field of science, and in April, the physics department held a similar seminar on physics called “Rocket Day.”

Gear Up began in 1998 as a federal program to help middle school and high school students in low-income areas with tutoring, mentoring, college preparation and financial aid.  Two years ago the program was introduced to Villanova with the help of Dr. Edward Collymore, executive director of Multi-Cultural Affairs.  The program invites student as early as seventh grade to participate in the activities with the hope that an interest will develop and impact their education in both high school and college.  The program also endeavors to strengthen curriculum, teacher development, and provide after-school activities, college visits and scholarships. 

Villanova has played an important role in the Gear Up program by inviting student from the Philadelphia inner city to our campus.  At “Career Exploration Day”  Thomas Chubb, professor of Biology, with the help of both undergraduate and graduate science majors, provided the students with tan introduction to educational requirements and careers in the many fields of science.  They presented the scientific method, as the basis of all science careers, as well as suggested specific high school and college courses that would best prepare students for a career in science.   The student also enjoyed such hands-on activities as giving each other Electro cardiograms and measuring oxygen lung capacity. 

“Rocket Day,” provided a similar introduction to the field of physics.  Disadvantaged Inner city children from seventh to eleventh grad visited Villanova to learn the basics of physics including how to construct and launch rockets.  James O’Brien, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, with the help of several engineering student volunteers, taught the theory of action and reaction so the visitors would understand what made their rockets soar.  Then, the students broke off into groups and with the help of the engineering volunteers, constructed their rockets.  At the final launch on Mendel Field, the students could see the r new knowledge and hard work pay off.  Some of the rockets traveled as high as 1000 ft. in to the air.  “Our purpose is to motivate the kids and enable them to take charge of their education,” said O’Brien.   And in accordance with the mission of Gear Up program that is exactly what the Villanova community has done.