Louisiana GEAR UP students to promote the value of academic success at state capitol
Contact
Brittany Francis
Public Information and Communications Director
(225) 219-3306 Office
Tyana Daquano
Public Information Officer
(225) 342-5173 Office
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA)
April 25, 2019
Louisiana GEAR UP students to promote the value of academic success at state capitol
Baton Rouge – On May 2, 2019, students in Louisiana GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) will be at the Louisiana State Capitol, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., to enlighten the public and legislators about the importance of preparing students for life beyond high school.
There are currently more than 11,000 middle and high school students around Louisiana who participate in college and career readiness interventions offered through Louisiana GEAR UP. Since the program has been administered through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), it has supported more than 23,000 Louisiana students in 75 schools around the state.
“GEAR UP provides an opportunity to establish a college-ready foundation – whether that’s to a two or four-year institution, technical college, or the military,” said Timenee Thomas, LOSFA’s youth advocacy specialist.
GEAR UP, is a federally funded national initiative, under LOSFA. The program is meant to: increase academic performance, increase the number of students who graduate from high school and enroll at a post-secondary institution, and enhance student’s academic preparation, leadership and career awareness.
Students receive experiential learning opportunities such as supported dual enrollment, integrated business and industry trips, tutoring, mentoring, financial literacy workshops, trips to college campuses, college scholarships, and peer leadership through GEAR UP Explorers’ Club. The Explorers’ Club challenges students to make wise academic and behavioral decisions that will lead to success.
“As a former GEAR UP student, the program helped me learn more about myself and what I wanted for my future,” said Thomas. “Now that I’m a part of helping students make decisions about their own lives, I hear ‘Without GEAR UP…or because of GEAR UP’, and it reminds me of why we do the work we do.”
GEAR UP students will also have a chance to tour the capitol and meet with representatives from post-secondary institutions during the event.
For more information on Louisiana GEAR UP, click here
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