GEAR UP Kentucky confronts outbreak with innovation and creative outreach

As we have seen, GEAR UP programs across the country have risen to the challenge of school closures and COVID-19 with distinct innovation and resilience. Much of that innovation has occurred to stay connected to GEAR UP students without in-person services. As Kim Drummond, GEAR UP Kentucky Director explains, remaining connected to students is critical, “It’s absolutely vital that we maintain relationships with our…

Arizona GEAR UP amplifies reach to high school seniors amid COVID-19

Arizona GEAR UP was recently featured for their innovation in the face of COVID-19. When school closures upended their outreach plans, Arizona GEAR UP took action and began mailing out resources to support their students. “It is crucial for Arizona’s graduating high school seniors to have every possible resource at their disposal at the moment,” said NAU President Rita Hartung Cheng. “...it is important for students to be…

Virtual reality campus visits let students connect with colleges during COVID-19

When the GEAR UP VR App was designed in collaboration with GEAR UP North Carolina, the vision was to support students in rural communities visit college campuses. A wide success with GEAR UP North Carolina, the app is now being expanded to the recently awarded GEAR UP Mississippi grant. As schools and college campuses began to close earlier this year, due to COVID-19, the GEAR UP VR App took on a new importance.…