RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College’s GEAR UP Wyoming program is joining students, families, educators and community partners across the country to celebrate National GEAR UP Week, Sept. 21-25, highlighting the impact of a program that helps students prepare for college, career training and life after high school.
Since 1999, GEAR UP has worked to expand educational opportunities and help students overcome barriers to postsecondary education. At CWC, GEAR UP Wyoming provides students with individualized mentoring, college and career preparation, campus visits, ACT preparation, financial aid assistance and scholarship guidance. The program also works closely with families to help students navigate the steps from middle and high school through their first year of college.
CWC GEAR UP WY currently serves 275 students in Fremont and Hot Springs counties and is recruiting new students to participate in the program.
“National GEAR UP Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our students and the incredible work they are doing to build their futures,” said Jamie Iiams, GEAR UP site director. “Our role is to make sure students know they have people in their corner, advisors to guide them, a community to support them and resources to help them reach their goals. Whether a student is considering college, a trade program or another path after high school, we want them to see what is possible and have the tools and confidence to get there.”
CWC GEAR UP begins working with students as early as seventh and eighth grade, introducing college, trade school and other postsecondary options while emphasizing goal-setting, career exploration and academic motivation. As students progress through high school, services expand to include college and career navigation, ACT preparation, campus visits, scholarship assistance, FAFSA guidance and hands-on help with college applications. Support continues into a student’s first year of college with course registration, campus resource navigation, grade tracking and financial aid guidance.
Throughout National GEAR UP Week, CWC GEAR UP is celebrating the dedication of its students, the support of their families and the schools and communities that help students pursue their educational and career goals.
“Every application submitted, campus visited, scholarship pursued and goal reached represents a student taking another step toward their future,” Iiams said. “That is what GEAR UP is about, helping students understand that higher education and career opportunities are within reach and then walking alongside them as they make those opportunities a reality.”
CWC GEAR UP’s work continues throughout the year. Students enrolled in the program have access to academic mentoring, Hathaway Scholarship tracking, college and career preparation, ACT preparation and fee waivers, trade school exploration, summer programs, FAFSA and scholarship assistance, and family events and support.
CWC GEAR UP WY is currently accepting new students. Students and families interested in learning more about the program or applying can visit cwc.edu/gearup.
