A transition camp for students entering high school
Transitioning from middle school to high school can be difficult for many students. In an effort to ease this transition, over 200 GEAR UP Scholars will be on campus this June for instructional workshops on developing habits and study skills necessary for high school. This summer camp, known as Big Blue Journey will provide a great opportunity for our GEAR UP Scholars.
​A College Exploration Experience
In June 2014, 254 GEAR UP scholars participated in the Big Blue Journey: a three-day summer camp focused on developing the skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Held on the USU Logan campus, the eighth-grade participants lived a simulation of college life in order to help them transition to ninth grade, and inspire them to make college preparation a priority in high school. They attended workshops for academic enrichment and support, and extracurricular activities to develop leadership, teamwork, and social skills. They met and worked with peers from other GEAR UP schools while living on the Logan campus in student residence halls. Based on this experience, many students said that college now seemed like a reality to them.
About Big Blue Journey
The Impact of the USU Campus Visit
Nothing makes visions of college attendance come alive in students’ minds quite like a campus visit. By actually touring university buildings and interacting with the colleges and various student clubs, students can see themselves in a higher education setting. This new awareness builds their confidence in their potential, increases their desire to attend college, and helps them set goals to achieve that vision. With this in mind, USU STARS! GEAR UP, along with our University partners, do everything that we can to offer opportunities for students to visit the university campus and take part in educational activities led by USU faculty and staff.
Who can Participate in Big Blue Journey?
All the GEAR UP Students who are transitioning from 8th Grade to 9th Grade can become a part of Big Blue Journey!