Glazer Foundation Rewards GEAR-UP Students with Tickets to Bucs Game

As part of their Youth with Promise program, the Glazer Family Foundation provided 40 GEAR UP students and 8 chaperones with tickets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers game on September 24. Each person also received a Glazer Foundation t-shirt and food vouchers, and the group had their picture taken on the field.

The Foundation provides this privilege based on youth achieving their goals from various incentive programs implemented by community agencies.

“ The Bucs game outing was used as part of an incentive program to motivate students to concentrate on their academics,” said Ruby Joseph, principaI investigator of the GEAR UP program in Tampa, which is being implemented at Hillsborough High School.

Housed at USF's Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs ) is a federally funded U.S. Department of Education program, which is also supported locally by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County. The program helps to prepare students for high school success and post secondary education. In addition to the academic activities, GEAR UP also offers opportunities for academic learning and progress through enrichment and recreational activities.

“ Motivating and getting students interested in their education and participating in the program is critical to the success of our GEAR UP program,” added Ruby. “Rewards are provided for high performers as well as for active participation in GEAR UP academic programs.”

The mission of the Glazer Family Foundation is to assist charitable and educational causes in the West Central Florida region. The Foundation works with established not-for-profit organizations that work with youth and families to help identify and create programs that support positive social and economic development within communities.

“ This was a great way for us to connect with various entities in our Tampa Bay community,” said Ruby Joseph.