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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How is Ramp-Up to Readiness™ different from other college preparation and access programs?

    Ramp-Up to Readiness is unique in its comprehensive, school-wide approach covering all of the areas of readiness research indicates are necessary for success: academic readiness, admissions readiness, financial readiness, career readiness, and social and emotional readiness.

  2. How is Ramp-Up delivered?

    Ramp-Up provides weekly 30 minute Activities delivered by Advisors (teachers and other school staff) to groups of students.

  3. How much time does it take Advisors to prepare the material?

    Ramp-Up is designed for easy preparation and Advisors tell us that it generally takes five to fifteen minutes to understand the day’s Activity.

  4. What is the best time of year to implement Ramp-Up?

    Ramp-Up is designed to be delivered throughout a full academic year with some Activities and use of the Readiness Rubric aligned with the school year cycle. Nonetheless, some schools have successfully implemented Ramp-Up in a quarter or semester-long class.

  5. What kind of technology does Ramp-Up require?

    Many Activities use a PowerPoint presentation or video clips from the Internet. The Ramp-Up curriculum includes one Workshop each year, which often requires student use of computers.

  6. What does Ramp-Up cost?

    The cost of Ramp-Up depends on the number of students in your school, and includes Implementation Guides and Advisor Guides, as well as online access to materials.

  7. Is implementation assistance included with the purchase?

    Ramp-Up schools are welcome to contact the University of Minnesota Ramp-Up staff for assistance. We are very committed to college and career readiness and want to support the schools in the Ramp-Up network.

  8. Does Ramp-Up have to be implemented in a school setting?

    While the curriculum was designed for in-school settings, it is feasible to use it elsewhere.

  9. Is professional learning part of the program?

    Professional development for staff prior to implementing Ramp-Up is very important. Ramp-Up provides the necessary guidance and tools for schools to facilitate their own professional development. The Ramp-Up website resources include PowerPoints to use for staff training on why college readiness matters and to introduce the program. Ramp-Up staff are also available to consult on any implementation questions. Additional training is offered that relates to the program, including family engagement and evaluation. Resources from these workshops are on the Ramp-Up website for use by all Ramp-Up schools.

  10. How does a school organize its delivery of Ramp-Up?

    Each Ramp-Up to Readiness™ school convenes and supports a Leadership Team that coordinates the school’s ongoing implementation. The Leadership Team should include the school principal, a counselor, and at least one classroom teacher. Ramp-Up recommends that one staff member serve as Ramp-Up Coordinator to keep Advisors informed about upcoming Activities, coordinate related professional development, and provide materials for Activities as needed.

  11. Where is Ramp-Up currently being used?

    The Ramp-Up to Readiness™ program is currently being used in Connecticut, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Texas.