As I began writing about the critical information for seniors that I believe is of value at this crucial time, I could not help but first think about what it must feel like to BE a GEAR UP senior right now.

That was me during my senior year of high school, and if all of this was going on, then, as it is now, I might have been thinking:

 What exactly is social distancing? And how am I supposed to navigate the final steps of the college application process? Where am I going to find the money to pay for school?  Will my high school re-open before June, and will my college be open in August?   

Whether you are a GEAR UP director like Dr. Wendy M Stack‍, a site coordinator like Greg Kirk‍, or an Academic Support Specialist like Shane O'Donnell‍, you may have been thinking the same as I. With that, I want to share some insight, inspiration, and resources to assist you and your seniors during this journey. 

Academics & Assessments:

First, let’s continue to help our seniors with implementing their program of study. Whether through district-approved emails or telephone contact and social media platforms, provide seniors advice on how to make the most of their learning styles as they participate in self-guided learning in the areas of reading, writing, and arithmetic skills.

Visit NCCEP’s Online Resources Page to learn more about Khan Academy’s free online resources to support remote learning experiences for all students, including specialized academic content, and college and career readiness materials for high school seniors. Also, check out updates from ACT and College Board for high school seniors and their families. Information includes details regarding exam cancellations/postponements, free online test prep, accessing fee waivers, career assessment tools, and college admission checklists. 

Tip: Take 90 seconds to review and share this inspirational message with your seniors from Khan Academy, entitled, “You Can Learn Anything.”

College & Financial Aid Applications:

Second, during this critical time for our seniors, help them focus on application completion. We can help our seniors online with completing their college, financial aid, and scholarship applications. Let your students know that you are available to proofread their college application and scholarship essays. Write and submit your students’ letters of recommendation-many of their application packets will not be complete without it! For financial aid, the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) is the most credible online resource for information related to federal assistance, the FAFSA, and other sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships.     

Tip: Also, check out NCCEP’s live recorded webinar with College Board, entitled, “The College Board Opportunity Scholarships: An Opportunity for Our GEAR UP Students.”

Graduations & Transitions: 

Finally, while we are collectively experiencing the gap in our in-person engagement with GEAR UP seniors and their families, they are most likely looking to us, the GEAR UP community, for guidance and support. Whether our seniors are going to community college, a four-year institution, or a career/technical school, it is essential that we find new and unique ways to promote and celebrate their accomplishments. NACAC’s College Admission Status Update online tool serves as a central resource regarding real-time updates on college admission processes from various institutions, such as student reply date extensions. Let us continue our collaboration by identifying and submitting resources on NCCEP’s Online Resources Page that aim to help students and families with the transition from high school to postsecondary success. 

 Tip: Check out the article by Elizabeth Yuko, fellow Life Hacker blogger, entitled, “How to Help Your High School Seniors Cope with Having Their Year Cut Short.”

Remember to join us for these upcoming social media and webinar events to provide you with information, resources, and tools to support you and your GEAR UP seniors on the postsecondary success journey.

• Today, 3/26 @ 1 pm EST: NCCEP invites you to join the online experience with Reach Higher, and Better Make Room as they share how you can showcase your GEAR UP seniors through virtual celebrations on College Signing Day 2020!  (Note:  Click here to access the live webinar recording and check out the attachment below for the presentation slides.)
• Today, 3/26 @ 3 pm EST: Join NCCEP for a live Q&A to ask your burning questions about the Study Lab and other ways to optimize your virtual collaboration. Tune in via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Remember, as shared in Lauren Carlson‍’s blog and Betty Paugh Ortiz‍'s blog earlier this week, we seek to hear from you.  Please share your strategies and tips for supporting our GEAR UP seniors in the comment box below!