19th year and counting; Natrona County GEAR UP celebrates with open house

GEAR UP of Natrona County is celebrating its 19th year of success with GEAR UP staff, students, families, and alumni during a kick-off celebration on Monday, Sept. 23, from 4-6 p.m. in the GEAR UP offices. The open house kicks off National GEAR UP Week and will occur in Strausner Hall, Room 221.

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a federally-funded, statewide grant in Wyoming that provides services to 2,000 seventh through 12th grade, income-eligible students annually.

“We are excited this year to celebrate our program’s mission and to share our work and accomplishments with the community,” said Alaura Tuft, GEAR UP specialist.

According to Andrea Covert, GEAR UP regional director, 330 Natrona County students currently participate in the program, whose services are free to qualifying youth in Natrona County. “The goal of our program is to increase the number of eligible students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education,” Covert noted.

Comments from students who have participated in the program include, “I participate in GEAR UP of Natrona County because it allows for me to get the help I need to be able to pursue college and the career I want to do,” “They (GEAR UP) are an amazing program that will help you prosper throughout high school and help with further education if you so wish,” “It has helped me find scholarships and ways to help pay for college.”

The celebration will also highlight the Natrona County School District and others who have partnered with GEAR UP of Natrona County to help make it such a success. “We are thankful to the NCSD for inviting us into schools to meet students and all the support they offer. We also thank all the teachers for their tireless work with students. Our mission wouldn’t be possible without them, and we look forward to maintaining this partnership in the coming years,” said Covert.

To learn more about the GEAR UP program, visit them in Strausner Hall, Room 221, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or call 307-268-2047. Strausner Hall is located on the Casper College campus.

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