Last month, you might recall that we launched a new blog series featuring seasoned GEAR UP practitioners (click here to read the kick-off interview with Teena O.). This month, we are excited to share an interview with the one and only Lois Bramwell‍. 

Admittedly, when the idea was shared with the NCCEP team, I was not surprised by the number of times that Lois Bramwell’s name came up. What can I tell you about one of my favorite GEAR UP champions? Lois is fierce. She is committed to her students in ways big and small. Lois is a staunch advocate for GEAR UP parents. Lois loves data and evaluation. Lois is funny. Lois is generous. I can go on 😊

It gives me great pleasure to share Lois’s input and lessons with all of you in our most recent interview of this blog series.

Lois Bramwell, District Coordinator, GEAR UP 4 LA  

How long have you been involved with GEAR UP? More than 11 years. I started with GEAR UP in the spring of 2009 primarily to work on match and data. There were no systems in place for data and match collection. Previously, I was a math coach so it was an easy transition. I love numbers and the stories they tell. My favorite presenter on MSNBC is Steve Kornacki.

What are three things you wish you had known during your first year as a GEAR UP director?

1. Leadership— You can have the best program model in the country, but without leadership, the outcomes will be less than what they could be. 

2. Relationships— All action is done by humans, and relationships are the engine of who humans act and decide. Understanding and navigating the power and social capital intrinsic relationships to make things happen is key.  

3. Breaking down doors and transcending barriers to make things happen. Nobody could have prepared me for the amount of time I spend doing this for the betterment of the grant.

There is a lot to navigate when administering a GEAR UP grant. What do you consider the greatest challenge and why?  HR can be very challenging, which is why it’s so important to hire the right people. The second is the challenge inherent in innovation. Sometimes GEAR UP grants are innovative initiatives that exist inside traditional organizations and that can be hard because things move at different speeds and we need to educate and innovate with patience and diplomacy. That is why the conferences and support of other directors is so important.

 Of all the GEAR UP programming you have been a part of, what have you enjoyed the most? If applicable, what would you consider the least favorite? The NCCEP conferences are my favorite part because two times a year I can let my hair down and spend time with like-minded people, committed to helping students and families. Youth Leadership Summit is incredibly valuable. Having the kids see and understand the scale and power of GEAR UP and all of the possibilities is magic. Anything that involves parents and students feeds my soul, and it’s why I do what I do. I deeply value CCREC for my own personal growth.

What could you share about your experience implementing 7^th Year services? Implementing 7^th year services is like starting your grant over for just one year while for practical purposes, the 7^th year really starts in year 5. It takes time to find out where the majority of students matriculate to, and to build relationships at the IHEs. Implementing 7^th Year services requires critical work with the kids during summer. Success in Year 7th requires an intensive process and being there when the students need you. You only have one year to do this, and you don’t have time to course correct, even once you figure out what works and what does not work. To be successful, the 7th year requires resources and a clear differentiation of services in comparison to the previous years. In the end, it is worth it.

 As you look back over your years of experience and reflect, what advice would you give other GEAR UP directors?   

(a) Trust your instincts. Know what you need and go after it with relentless determination. Whatever the struggle, it’s always to make things better for students and families.

(b) Make friends with other GEAR UP directors. We all support each other. I’ve never met a more generous community. Get involved with NCCEP and its huge support system.  

(c) Your team is everything. A good team makes the work happen. Trust your gut in hiring who would be a good fit with your team. Teamwork is everything in GEAR UP.

Thank you, Lois, for your service to GEAR UP and for always being so generous and a team player. #GEARUPworks because of people like you!