AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A different kind of teaching is part of the largest grant program at Amarillo College. Targeting more than 1700 area high school students.

Gear Up stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness. Students from Palo Duro, Caprock, Hereford, and Dumas are all part of the program.

It tracks their progression from 7th grade to the time they walk across the stage. They keep an eye on attendance and test scores all while providing much needed support the whole way. The program helps students prepare for higher education at an early age, letting them know that college is attainable.

"It's a chance for these students to get an opportunity to get extra help, they need to go on and feel successful. And whether that's one student or a thousand students thats where we want to help move on that's where we want to go," said Gear Up Director, Jodi Lindseth.

To learn more about the program click here to visit their website.