Monroe High alum sees benefits of GEAR UP program

Monroe High alum Cody Dean credits the GEAR UP program for his success in plant science studies at Washington State University, where he recently graduated with a major in integrated plant science with a focus in agricultural biotechnology. He is now in graduate school at WSU.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal grant program that creates education and community partnerships for providing college and career readiness for students. Monroe Public Schools received a GEAR UP grant in 2005.

"I entered in seventh grade and my parents basically forced me to, but I'm thankful they did because college would hardly have been possible,GÇ¥ Dean said in an MPS news release. The son of Chris Adrians-Dean and John Dean, he plans on pursuing a PhD in horticulture.

GEAR UP's objectives are increasing academic performance in preparation for college, increasing graduation rates, and increasing students' and their families' knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation and finances.

Dean was one of the lucky students to also receive a scholarship.

"Cody was amazing. He realized the opportunity offered to him, that he could have college paid for, and he worked hard from that point on,GÇ¥ said Genesis Day, a Sky Valley Education Center teacher who oversaw the GEAR UP program when Dean was involved.