GEAR UP will provide supplemental services to schools such as tutoring, guidance counseling, mentoring, college visits, chats with professionals and whatever else a student may need to get into college. And if they make it that far they get scholarships.

They will learn how to prepare for college entrance tests, apply for financial aid and get into their chosen fields.

Bezzant said not only will the program be a positive force in the classroom but it will influence behavior and discipline problems — keeping students out of trouble both in and out of school.

"What we know is kids who succeed in schools don't end up in corrections," Bezzant said. "A scholarship to the state pen is far more expensive that a scholarship to Penn State."

About half of the money will go to funding college for those students in the program.

Officials are currently working on specific criteria to get the scholarship money, but Anne Sherry, state GEAR UP director, said the main objective will be graduating from the program.

Other schools besides the Salt Lake middle schools will also be involved in the program.

Utah State University, Salt Lake Community College and the College of Eastern Utah have received sub-grants from the funding to run GEAR UP in schools within their regions. UVSC will also run GEAR UP in Utah County.

Low-income students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can apply to be in the the program and if they are chosen they will receive the same services as Salt Lake students through the other colleges.

Though no one seems to be opposed to a program like GEAR UP, some question its sustainability.

"It's a very good program, but once money dries up programs go away," said Richard Gomez, state educational equity director. "The key is finding something sustainable that will be able to continue when federal funds dry up."

But one of GEAR UP's objectives is to offer services that continuously build capacity so projects can be sustained beyond the term of the grant. And Bezzant said sustainability follows successful programs.

"When you demonstrate things work, schools find ways to replicate them," Bezzant said. "We will show that it can be done, then deal with sustainability later on."

The state was awarded the money this fall and currently leaders are looking to hire around 50 tutors to work in the program as well as volunteer tutors and professionals willing to mentor and help students.

For more information or to volunteer call 801-863-6000.

"The whole philosophy is with a little help and support these kids are going to go on and do great things — you have no idea who is sitting in front of you," Sherry said.

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com