Answers for Gary Students

Supporting Students Every Step of the Way

When students know what’s possible and believe in what’s ahead, everything changes. GAPS connects students to real-world exposure, caring adults, and future-ready skills — so every learner can move from uncertainty to momentum.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Every student deserves a map — not just to graduation, but to opportunity. GAPS programs are designed to meet students where they are, guide them through meaningful experiences, and prepare them for life after high school.

We connect alumni, educators, and partners to help students build confidence, develop essential skills, and step into careers, college, trades, and beyond.

K-12 Programs & Pathways

Our programs create a seamless pathway of exposure, support, and opportunity that equips students for life beyond graduation.

Elementary • Grades K-5

What GAPS Offers Elementary Students

Focus: Confidence, self esteem, awareness, connection between physical, mental and emotional health, and introduction to career exploration

Programs: Social and emotional enrichment activities, clubs, and career awareness sessions

Career Component: Fun career exploration activities, guest speakers, and hands-on experiences to spark interest

_____________________________________________________________

Metaversity: Junior Achievement (JA) Metaversity, which is a game-based career exploration experience designed for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. This innovative educational platform aims to revolutionize career exploration and life skills learning through immersive, advanced gaming technology

Career Fairs: The Career Fair introduces young students to a variety of exciting jobs through fun, hands-on activities and engaging presentations. It encourages early career exploration and sparks curiosity about the world of work.

Entrepreneurs Club: The Entrepreneurs Club facilitated by Iron Workz introduces students to creative thinking and basic business concepts through fun activities like product creation, simple planning, and mini marketplaces.

Cybersecurity Club: The Cybersecurity Club teaches students how to stay safe online, protect their personal information, and become responsible digital citizens through fun, age-appropriate activities.

Girls On The Run: Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy.

Level Up Tutoring: Offers personalized tutoring services to help students of all ages achieve academic success and reach their full potential. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Whether it's improving in specific subjects, preparing for exams, or expanding knowledge, Level Up Tutoring provides the necessary tools and guidance. Our goal is to boost grades, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning.

Middles School • Grades 6-8

What GAPS Offers Middle School Students

Focus: Early exposure to career possibilities & skill-building

Programs: Enrichment activities, clubs, and career awareness sessions

Career Component: Fun career exploration activities, guest speakers, and hands-on experiences to spark interest

_____________________________________________________________

Introduction to Agilities & ScholarTrack: Guidance for 8th grade students on setting up ScholarTrack accounts and understanding the steps to become eligible for the 21st Century Scholars Scholarship, along with an introduction to the Agilities framework.

Shine Youth Cafe: Shine Youth Cafe is a creative, student-centered program that blends art with social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and mental health awareness. Students engage in a variety of expressive activities, including graphics and media, arts and crafts, and other interactive projects designed to support emotional growth and creative exploration.

Metaversity: JA Metaversity, which is a game-based career exploration experience designed for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. This innovative educational platform aims to revolutionize career exploration and life skills learning through immersive, advanced gaming technology.

Cybersecurity Club: Cybersecurity Club introduces students to online safety, ethical hacking, and digital problem-solving through fun, hands-on activities.

Entrepreneurs Club: The Entrepreneurs Club facilitated by Iron Workz empowers students to develop business ideas, create simple business plans, and apply real-world skills like marketing, budgeting, and teamwork through hands-on projects.

Media Mastermind Club: Students build digital citizenship skills and explore media careers like journalism, podcasting, and drone technology through hands-on creative projects.

Level Up Tutoring: Offers personalized tutoring services to help students of all ages achieve academic success and reach their full potential. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Whether it's improving in specific subjects, preparing for exams, or expanding knowledge, Level Up Tutoring provides the necessary tools and guidance. Our goal is to boost grades, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning.

High School • Grades 9-10

What GAPS Offers High School Underclassmen

Focus: Transitioning to high school while deepening career awareness

Programs: Enrichment activities, clubs, and workshops on study skills, leadership, and goal setting, a support group

Career Component: Career exploration assessments, job shadowing, industry exposure, and mentoring opportunities

_____________________________________________________________

Freshman & Sophomore Support Group Freshman/Sophomore Support Group helps students build confidence, develop academic and social-emotional learning skills, to prepare for a successful transition to high school.

Agilities Introduction + 4-Year Planning

Introduction to the Agilities framework and academic planning for high school, mapping coursework, extracurriculars, and career exploration to stay on track for graduation and postsecondary success.

Career Day

High school students explore a wide range of career paths by interacting with local employers, colleges, trade schools, and training programs. Through presentations, Q&A sessions, and hands-on demonstrations, students gain insight into industry expectations, educational and certification requirements, and future job opportunities—empowering them to make informed decisions about postsecondary plans and career goals.

AI & STEM Discovery Day

This exciting, one-day event immerses high school students in the world of STEM and artificial intelligence through interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities hosted by Purdue Northwest faculty and industry professionals. Students will explore real-world applications of AI, robotics, coding, and engineering—designed to spark curiosity, deepen STEM knowledge, and inspire future career paths.

Trades Fair Day

Join the Center of Workforce Innovations, NextGen and Construction Advancement Foundation for Construction & Skilled Trades Day (TBD) during National Apprenticeship Week. Up to fifteen skilled trades organizations are bringing equipment, technology, and creating mock worksites at Lake County Fairgrounds for NWI youth to explore their options. The purpose of the annual event is to introduce and expose young people to career opportunities and benefits related to building trades.

Level Up Tutoring

Offers personalized tutoring services to help students of all ages achieve academic success and reach their full potential. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Whether it's improving in specific subjects, preparing for exams, or expanding knowledge, Level Up Tutoring provides the necessary tools and guidance. Our goal is to boost grades, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning.

High School • Grades 11-12

What GAPS Offers High School Upperclassmen

Focus: Career coaching, skill assessment & intensive preparation for post-graduation pathways

Programs: One-on-one coaching, internship opportunities, resume building, and networking

Career Component: Students align into one of three pathways/funnels:

• College Pathway (CCR) – College prep, SAT/ACT support, application guidance

• Trades (CTE) – Vocational training, certifications, and apprenticeship opportunities

• Entrepreneurship – Business planning, financial literacy, and start-up mentorship

• Military Service – ASVAB preparation, recruiter connections, and career opportunities in the armed forces

_____________________________________________________________

Agilities Introduction + 4-Year Planning

Introduction to the Agilities framework and academic planning for high school, mapping coursework, extracurriculars, and career exploration to stay on track for graduation and postsecondary success.

Ambassador Program

A student leadership initiative for juniors and seniors that empowers participants to represent their school at events, support peer engagement, and develop communication, teamwork, and public speaking skills through mentorship and service opportunities.

Career Day

High school students explore a wide range of career paths by interacting with local employers, colleges, trade schools, and training programs. Through presentations, Q&A sessions, and hands-on demonstrations, students gain insight into industry expectations, educational and certification requirements, and future job opportunities—empowering them to make informed decisions about postsecondary plans and career goals.

FAFSA Nights

Evening sessions designed to help students and families navigate the financial aid application process in a supportive environment.

Infinite Scholars College Fair

ISP hosts scholarship fairs across various cities in the United States, offering high school students a unique chance to meet with colleges and universities that grant admissions and award scholarships on the spot. These events are meticulously planned to cover a wide geographic area, ensuring broad access to potential educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Military Recruitment Visit

Provides students with an overview of military career pathways, enlistment options, educational benefits, and service opportunities through direct engagement with military representatives.

Chicago Black College Expo

Students and College Transfer Students bring plenty of copies of your Transcript to Get Accepted on The Spot! Attend informative seminars on Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Chicago State University Onsite Visit

Chicago State University Onsite Visit brings college representatives directly to your high school to share admissions info, academic programs, and campus opportunities with students.

Level Up Tutoring

Offers personalized tutoring services to help students of all ages achieve academic success and reach their full potential. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Whether it's improving in specific subjects, preparing for exams, or expanding knowledge, Level Up Tutoring provides the necessary tools and guidance. Our goal is to boost grades, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning.

You Are Part of the Answer

Behind every breakthrough moment for a student is someone who chose to show up. When caring adults share their time, their experience, and their encouragement, students gain the confidence to move from uncertainty to direction. You can be part of the answer that helps them see what’s possible.

Delivering for Gary Students

GAPS programs work because they are built on what students actually need: encouragement, exposure, hands-on experiences, and a community that believes in them. Each pathway strengthens skills, grows confidence, and helps students build a plan they can own.

Resources for Students & Parents

Whether you are a student planning your future or a parent supporting your child’s next step, GAPS provides tools, guidance, and people who walk with you.

Students

You deserve a clear path — and a community that believes in you. Explore programs, opportunities, and real-world experiences that help you discover your strengths and shape your future.

Parents

When families thrive, students thrive. GAPS partners with parents by providing resources, communication, and guidance to help your child explore possibilities and build confidence through every grade level.

@ 2025 Gary Alumni Pathway to Students. All rights reserved. Developed by Adam Red.