Sumter High School senior Jada Collins receives 60 acceptance letters and $1.7M in scholarship offers so far

Jada Collins, a senior at Sumter High School who has received more than 60 acceptance letters and $1.7 million in scholarship offers so far, gives credit to the Gear Up program. According to Jada, the Gear Up program has prepared her for her college experience since the seventh grade, from FAFSA meetings and free college tours to the many scholarship opportunities they sent out to the entire senior class. Most importantly, Gear Up Counselor Audrika Gadson has been the "middle man" since day one. "Ms. Gadson's door has always stayed open, not just her room door, but the door to her heart. She has encouraged me and others and gave us healthy, educated advice that will help us in the long run. Even when I needed a letter of recommendation, she was the first one to step up. As my scholarship amount increases over $1.7 million and over 60 acceptance letters, it simply stands as a witness that Gear Up has done, and is continuing to do, its job."