Friends of California GEAR UP: This is the final edition of our newsletter as we celebrate the end of the 2011-2017 grant cycle. Across the country, graduation ceremonies mark accomplishment and success – for students and the whole school community. As another school year ends, we join our school leadership teams, families and friends in extending CONGRATULATIONS to the class of 2017!
Since 1999, the GEAR UP network has continued to thrive. We have expanded our reach to share experiences, resources, lessons learned and success stories with the growing GEAR UP community. Along with many other States, we have made application for a new grant that would continue this important work from 2017-2024 with announcements anticipated by Fall 2017. The State grant will remain focused on ALL students and the development and sustainability of a college-going-culture.
In this issue, we share good news about exciting activities in school communities throughout California. The stories, profiles and updates reflect the breadth of our work in collaboration with our program partners for schools, students, staff and families.
This year has been especially challenging for me as I will retire in June. I have served as the Director of the GEAR UP program since 2001 and as an employee of the University of California since 1991. It has been a wonderful experience, serving alongside those dedicated to social justice and equal access to high quality education for ALL students. The work of GEAR UP in California through the State grant and 19 GEAR UP partnership projects will continue to grow strong, to mobilize and engage whole school communities and to ensure success for our youth.
It has been a great pleasure to know and work with the GEAR UP family and I will always remain committed to “Academic Excellence and College Access for ALL Students”. There is still much to be done…
Shelley Davis, Director-California GEAR UP
Strong Finish in 2017!
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