One hundred and eighty-five Dimmitt Middle School students, accompanied by thirty-four parent and staff chaperones, spent the week of August 14th at the University of Washington to experience college first-hand as part of the GEAR-UP grant.

Activities included classes, field trips, job shadows, residing in dorms and meeting in career groups. Students selected a "major" before coming to the UW campus and were enrolled in classes designed to match their interests. "The U. W. GEAR-UP staff praised our students for their excellent behavior in classrooms, dormitories, and on field trips", said Barbara Fujita, GEAR-UP project manager for the Renton School District.

GEAR-UP.....Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is helping 650 6th and 7th grade (FY99-00) Dimmitt Middle School students and their families chart a course to education beyond high school. Through a grant award from the U.S. Department of Education, students will be given college readiness support that will follow them all the way through high school.

Dimmitt Middle School is the only K-12 school in the state to receive this five year federal grant.

Other recipients:

• The State of Washington, Office of the Governor

• Pierce College, Lakewood

• Columbia Basin College, Pasco

• U of W, Office of Minority Affairs