VOC/GEAR UP Program Boasts 300 College Acceptances, Over $3 Million in Scholarships for Holyoke Grads

Melissa White • December 12, 2024

This year’s initiative saw the highest level of participation and success since onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 312 on-the-spot college acceptances

The VOC/GEAR UP program, which serves students in Holyoke at the STEM Academy, William J. Dean Technical High School, and Holyoke High North School, recently hosted two Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) events for local seniors, resulting in more than 300 college acceptances and $3.6 million in scholarships for one year.

More than 160 high school seniors from Holyoke participated in the MCAC events at William J. Dean Tech High School on November 21 and Holyoke High North on November 25 and 26. The events offered students the opportunity to engage directly with college representatives, workforce development programs, and career-focused organizations.

During the events, seniors were able to receive personalized assistance with applying to colleges, completing the Common App, finalizing college essays, and navigating the scholarship and financial aid processes. Additionally, students had the opportunity to create resumes, undergo interviews, and receive on-the-spot college acceptances, including merit scholarship offers.

The VOC/GEAR UP program announced that this year’s events saw the highest level of participation and success since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic:

● 164 Seniors from Holyoke participated

● 447 Applications completed

● 312 On-the-Spot Acceptances

● $3,634,281 offered in scholarships for one year

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s MCAC events and the positive impact they had on our seniors as they prepare for their next steps after high school,” said a VOC/GEAR UP program representative. “We are grateful for the support of the principals at Dean Tech and Holyoke High, as well as the dedicated school counselors who worked tirelessly to help organize and prepare our students for this important milestone.”

The VOC/GEAR UP program (Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs) aims to increase college readiness and success for low-income, first-generation students. Through a variety of initiatives, VOC/GEAR UP provides academic support, career exploration, and guidance to help students navigate the path to higher education and beyond.

The VOC/GEAR UP program is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education and career success, and events like MCAC play a key role in equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

For more information on the VOC/GEAR UP program, please contact Mary Colon [email protected].

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VOC offers over 30 community programs in a wide variety of areas throughout Hampden County in Western Massachusetts.

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