As a proud GEAR UP alumnus, MJ Bridges knows the program’s impact doesn’t end at graduation. Growing up in Racine, Wisconsin, he participated in the Wisconsin Education Opportunity Program: Racine GEAR UP while attending Washington Park High School, an experience that set the foundation for his journey to Alabama State University and beyond. Today, MJ has transformed his story into a mission of empowering young people with the financial skills they need to succeed.

What specific challenges were you facing in your educational journey before joining GEAR UP, and how did the program help you address them?
Some of the challenges I faced in my educational journey include access and belief! I will explain, they both go hand in hand. When I refer to “Access,” it simply means “exposure” to the college language and culture. I had limited exposure to what exactly college is, the different types of colleges, and how impactful college is critical to their lifestyle. So, given that access or exposure was limited, I did not have the full belief that I could attend or that it was attainable. GEAR UP fundamentally changed those views, and it started with my GEAR UP advisors, who were role models and exemplified success!

What role did GEAR UP staff members play in your success? Are there any staff members you’d like to highlight for their support or mentorship?
Huge! Huge! Huge! I am still in contact with my GEAR UP advisor 22 years later! She and her husband are like third parents to me. They are both HBCU graduates, which had an influence on me because I attended an HBCU, and they are members of the Divine 9, a term referring to the 9 historically black fraternities and sororities. Mrs. Tanisha Kirkwood played and continues to play a huge role in my success. In addition to the collegiate support, she also supported me with personal challenges.

What lessons or skills did you gain from GEAR UP that you still use today in your career or personal life?
“Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” Our GEAR UP advisors were strict with scheduling and planning. They embodied it, and it spilled into the scholars.

What advice would you give to current GEAR UP participants or those just starting their journey with the program?
The advice I would give to current students is to take charge of your journey! You can be in GEAR UP or other similar programs, and not even attend college. GEAR UP is a huge resource, and you won’t benefit from it if you DON’T Take Charge of your own journey and utilize the huge resource that is GEAR UP.

How has your involvement with GEAR UP inspired you to give back to other students on their educational journey?
My entire life is centered around helping students attend and graduate from college! GEAR UP remains a foundational experience for my success with attending college. However, not only did I attend college, I had a beautiful, TRUE, wholesome college experience during my undergraduate journey. It was The Most Amazing 4 years of my life! Given that, I hope to inspire students to attend and take advantage of truly having a dope college experience.

What do you think is the most important thing the general public should understand about GEAR UP and its impact?
GEAR UP is life-changing, especially for students like me who did not have parents who graduated from college and grew up in a low socioeconomic area. GEAR UP will help a student believe college is truly attainable.

What do you see as the most significant challenges facing first-generation and low-income students today, and how has your GEAR UP experience prepared you to address them?

I think the mis-education about the lifetime benefits of attending college is one of the most important challenges facing first-generation and low-income students. There is a growing concern or trend that college is not worth it, and I disagree. Statistics will show that people with college degrees make more money over time than those without, and again, depending on your college experience, COLLEGE could be a lifelong networking and social connection funnel for success in career and life.

As we celebrate National GEAR UP Week, what message would you like to share with Congress or community leaders about why programs like GEAR UP matter?

GEAR UP WORKS! I am an example. Every statistic was against me. I was supposed to be in jail, a criminal, a delinquent, as I was a Black Male American from Wisconsin who, at the age of 10, moved with my aunt because my father was incarcerated and my mother was not capable of raising me. However, due to the impact of GEAR UP, today, I am a successful entrepreneur, Airbnb host, marathoner, college graduate with a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in Teaching, who has dedicated his life to helping students achieve success.

MJ Bridges is part of the legacy of how #GEARUPWorks

During National GEAR UP week and beyond, let’s continue to share stories of GEAR UP alumni to remind us of the profound difference these college-access programs make in the lives of students who might otherwise be left behind. From personalized mentorship to life-changing resources, these programs provide not just access to education but the tools and confidence to succeed far beyond the classroom.

If you are looking for a keynote speaker or program facilitator who shares the lived experience of your students, the CoolSpeak team is made up of a diverse group of speakers who bring authenticity, inspiration, and actionable insights to everything we do, helping students see what’s possible for their futures.