GEARing UP to be Great 12
By Deon Quinn, Region 10 ESC Digital Marketing Coordinator
F
OR A GROUP of Lancaster ISD middle school students, the path to accessing post-secondary education information became a lot easier with the implementation of the GEAR UP program. Designed to increase early college awareness, readiness, and success for low-income and historically underrepresented students, the federally funded GEAR UP program provides seven-year grants to middle and high schools. GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs,
provides services such as college tours, summer enrichment programs, career exploration, as well as job shadowing. What makes this middle school program unique is that it’s led by two individuals who have roots in the Lancaster community. Guiding the class of 2027 cohort at Elsie Robertson Lancaster Middle School, Region 10 GEAR UP Site Coordinators Brittney Hervey and Alexis Wasson were all smiles at the official program kick-off.
“One of my favorite parts about the program is that it creates awareness and access for communities and students who might not have otherwise received the exposure,” said Wasson. Previously serving as a school counselor in LISD for six years, when Wasson stepped into this role, she was already familiar with the systems, community, and students, which gives her and the program a better opportunity to be successful.