Get Ready Spotlights

Gov. Tim Walz Proclaims September 23-27 GEAR UP Week

Exciting news, Minnesota! Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed September 23-27, 2024, as GEAR UP Week!

Get Ready is a vital service offered through GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), aimed at helping low-income and high-poverty students successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education.

Let’s celebrate empowering our State’s future generations through education and opportunity! Join us in spreading the word about Get Ready and how GEAR UP is making a difference in our communities!

See the proclamation here: 09.23.24 Gear Up Week_tcm1055-646435.pdf (mn.gov)

Federal Grant Awarded to Minnesota Get Ready GEAR UP Program

Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota, located in the Office of Higher Education, is honored to announce that it has been awarded $31,150,000 in a competitive federal GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant, which will run for seven years (2024 to 2031) and serve over 5,728 students from 19 schools across six districts, will play a pivotal role in promoting college readiness and success amongst the students in Minnesota, particularly students from low-income backgrounds and at-risk communities.

In its first year, GEAR UP Minnesota will engage 5,728 students in 6th and 7th grades, as well as a priority group of 12th graders, across the following districts: Fridley, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Red Lake, and Saint Cloud.

Additionally, GEAR UP Minnesota will extend its reach to 12,000 more students through statewide outreach services, impacting over 17,000 students annually.

Over the grant period, Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota will offer a diverse range of evidence-based services, including:

• College admissions and financial aid workshops and counseling
• In-class and after-school tutoring
• Academic programs during after-school hours and summer
• College visits
• Career awareness counseling
• Academic mentoring
• Professional development for teachers and school staff
• Test preparation support
• Individualized postsecondary planning and first-year college assistance

The program will allocate $2,765,000 in federal funds to provide Pell-equivalent scholarships to select students enrolling in Minnesota based higher education, supporting their journey through postsecondary education. Through these initiatives, Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota aims to achieve substantial improvements in key educational metrics, including:

• Improved average daily attendance rates within district schools
• Increased graduation rates
• Increased completion of FAFSA applications
• Enhanced postsecondary enrollment rates and greater persistence into the second year of college
• Improved GPAs and college knowledge amongst students and their families

Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota will spearhead, with collaboration from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Minneapolis College, the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc. (SWPIC), The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), National Postsecondary Strategies Institute (NPSI), Mastery Prep, Genesys Works Twin Cities, InsideTrack, and Youthprise.

"GEAR UP Minnesota represents a transformative step towards ensuring that all students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have the support and resources they need to succeed in postsecondary education," said Patrick Milton, Point of Contact for GEAR UP Minnesota. "Our comprehensive approach, combined with strong community partnerships, will empower students to achieve their educational and career goals."

2024 NCCEP

In July, the National Council of Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) hosted its annual conference in Washington, D.C., bringing in over 2,000 GEAR UP professionals for the three-day event. This year, four staff members from Minnesota's Get Ready/GEAR UP program played a prominent role as featured presenters.

Jessica Yang, Program Supervisor, and Matt Gutsch, External Relations Manager, led a session titled "We're All in This Together: How to Engage More Effectively with Partners to Meet GEAR UP Goals." Taking inspiration from Helen Keller's quote, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much," their interactive workshop emphasized the importance of collaboration. They focused on enhancing collective impact through improved communication and collaboration. Attendees explored partnership frameworks to develop strategies for engaging new partners and re-engaging existing ones, aiming to maximize resources and minimize service duplication.

Veronica Deenanath, Manager for Program Innovation and Research, and Steven Martinez Grande, Postsecondary Pathways Coordinator, presented "Introducing Success Coaching to Support Postsecondary Success." They showcased how Get Ready/GEAR UP Minnesota integrates student success coaching with scholarship initiatives using the InsideTrack Student Success Coaching model. This model emphasizes academic achievement, financial management, and overall well-being, helping students excel in their postsecondary education and connect effectively with campus resources.

Additionally, Deenanath and Shaneka Flournoy, Financial Aid Specialist at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, co-presented "Financial Education Reimagined through Storytelling." Their session highlighted a culturally relevant and trauma-informed financial literacy course developed in partnership with Minneapolis College. By leveraging storytelling, the course teaches financial concepts in a way that fosters self-compassion and a growth mindset among students facing financial challenges. The curriculum incorporates real stories from current and former GEAR UP students to ensure engagement and relevance.

As the new school year approaches, Get Ready is excited for attendees to apply the insights and skills gained from these expert-led sessions.

Get Ready Celebrates Scholars: Highlights from the Second Annual Student Success Scholarship Ceremony

On June 12th, a wave of inspiration swept through the virtual gathering of students, faculty, staff, and proud families for the second annual Get Ready Student Success Scholarship Ceremony. This event honored over 350 students from Get Ready partner schools across the state who were awarded scholarships.

The ceremony opened with a keynote address from Deputy Commissioner Winnie Sullivan, who shared her uplifting journey through the ranks, concluding in a poignant quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: "'If you can't run, then walk'…because that's what champions do."

Following this, a panel of first-year college students who received the scholarship last year engaged in an insightful discussion. They addressed questions and shared their firsthand experiences, providing invaluable advice on navigating the college journey.

Representatives from each school then took the stage to celebrate their scholars, echoing Principal Barton Rud of Grey Eagle Prairie High School's sentiments: "The reason you received the scholarship is because of your hard work. No one can take that work ethic away from you. Keep it up!"

Each scholar was awarded support to pursue postsecondary education in Minnesota, alongside personalized resources like Success Coaches and access to networks, ensuring their continued success.

The Student Success Scholarship accentuates Get Ready's commitment to achieving a 100% graduation rate and fostering postsecondary enrollment, standing steadfast in their support for Minnesota's students and families.

Inspiring Futures: The Impact of the HBCU Tour

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From April 17th to the 20th, a group of 26 high school students and 9 chaperones from 8 Get Ready partner schools embarked on a life-changing journey through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour. This unique experience not only gave them the chance to visit several prestigious campuses, but also allowed them to learn about the rich history and educational impact of these institutions.

The tour destinations included renowned schools such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta, and Emory University. At each stop, students explored what makes each school unique - exploring campus facilities, engaging with current college students, and discovering the diverse wide array of academic opportunities and vibrant communities that each campus cultivates.

In addition to academics, the tour introduced students to Atlanta's culture and history. Visits to landmarks such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Park, Olympic Park, and the Georgia Aquarium helped them learn about the city's rich history and culture, providing insight into the communities surrounding the universities.

The tour wasn't just about campus visits and sightseeing; it was a chance for students to explore future program and career options, gain insight into scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and make new friends. For many students, the trip was a pivotal moment in their college exploration journey.

The immediate impact of the HBCU tour was evident, with two students confirming their attendance at one of the toured schools and many others adding the visited schools to their application lists for the upcoming year. Testimonials from participants highlight the profound effect the experience had on them.

Apollo's Pathway Coordinator, Heidi Paulson, shared one student's gratitude, describing the trip as a "10 out of 10" experience that left him truly inspired. Another parent expressed profound appreciation for the positive transformation she witnessed in her daughter, noting newfound confidence and clarity in her college goals.

Above all, the sentiment echoed by all students was the celebration of "black excellence" throughout the trip. It served as a powerful confirmation of the importance and impact of HBCUs in fostering academic achievement, cultural pride, and personal growth among students.

As we reflect on this journey, it's clear that the HBCU Tour was more than just a series of campus visits; it was an immersive experience that ignited passion, inspiration, and dreams, and confirmed the invaluable role of HBCUs in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Get Ready Hosts Second Future Postsecondary Pathways Conference

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On March 14th, Get Ready once again hosted the highly anticipated Future Postsecondary Pathways Conference, held at Coffman Memorial Union at the University of Minnesota. Drawing a crowd of over 300 juniors and seniors from Get Ready's partner schools, the event aimed to empower and guide young minds towards their future endeavors through a variety of engaging activities and resources.

The conference kicked off with an inspirational speech from Lamarr Womble, a renowned life coach, author, and speaker for Coolspeak and Passion for Leadership. Womble's commencement set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of mindset, values, and passion in leadership and personal growth.

Following the motivational kick-off, students embarked on a personalized journey of informational sessions, workshops, and panel discussions tailored to provide valuable insights into academic, career, and personal development pathways. From exploring diverse college majors to delving into emerging career fields, students were able to glean wisdom from professionals, field experts, and college students sharing their experiences and advice.

An additional highlight of the conference was the college and career fair, offering students the opportunity to interact with representatives from universities, colleges, and organizations. This immersive experience allowed attendees to envision their future academic pursuits and career trajectories firsthand.

Throughout the conference, students were encouraged to participate in networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and discussions with peers and professionals. As the juniors and seniors navigated through the multitude of possibilities, the majority reported leaving the conference armed with newfound insights, valuable resources, and a sense of guidance towards their dreams and aspirations.

Empowering Futures: Apollo High School's CO2 Field Trip at SCSU

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At Saint Cloud State University (SCSU), Apollo High School's senior special education students embarked on an enriching field trip. This excursion was part of the CO2 transition program, catering to students with mild disabilities from St. Cloud Area School District 742. Collaborating with SCSU, CO2 offers a platform for students to expand their employment skills and improve their ability to access community resources. Throughout the day, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and specialists provide unwavering support.

Heidi Paulson, the Pathway Coordinator at Apollo High School, shared insights from her conversation with a future CO2 student. Surprisingly, many special education students and teachers had not yet witnessed the program firsthand.

The April 30th field trip featured a comprehensive tour followed by lunch at Garvey Commons - the forthcoming workplace for many CO2 students. The day served as an opportunity for engagement, networking, and anticipating future endeavors.