VOC/GEAR UP Program Boasts 300 College Acceptances, $3.6 Million in Scholarships

HOLYOKE — 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 more than $3.6 million in scholarships for one year.

More than 160 high-school seniors from Holyoke participated in the MCAC events at Dean Tech on Nov. 21 and Holyoke High North on Nov. 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 résumés, 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, with 164 seniors from Holyoke participating, 447 applications completed, 312 on-the-spot acceptances, and $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,” a VOC/GEAR UP program representative said. “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 (Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs) program 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.