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Students, staff highlight GEAR UP college-preparation program and scholarship wins
Summary
Site manager Sarah Noy and student ambassadors described the GEAR UP program's tutoring, summer math, and college-prep trips; students reported scholarship awards and the ambassadors logged more than 100 volunteer hours over two years.
Sarah Noy, the site manager for the district's GEAR UP program at the middle and high school, told the board the program supports students "prepared for, enrolled in, and successful in post secondary education." She said GEAR UP funds after-school tutoring and a summer math program and highlighted multi-day field trips — including NatureBridge, Glacier National Park, and science site visits — as experiences that broaden students' exposure to higher-education and STEM settings.
Student ambassadors described concrete benefits. "GEAR UP has given me so many things in these past 3 years, opportunities that I'll be talking about," said student Kaylee, who said she will travel to Washington, D.C., again this summer through a program connection. Another student, Natalie Harley, said the program "has been a significant part of my high school experience" and praised staff for creating opportunities she otherwise would not have had.
Noy and presenters listed recent student outcomes: one student reported receiving a four-year University of Idaho scholarship worth $56,400; other ambassadors earned awards such as a Microsoft STEM student recognition. Noy said ambassadors have volunteered "over 100 hours the last 2 years," supporting community and school events. Board members praised the presentations and thanked the students and staff for sharing.
The delegation invited board members and the public to follow GEAR UP activities and noted continuing partnerships with colleges and STEM organizations that help run site visits and career exposures.
