The GEAR UP program is a grant-funded program administered by the Nevada Department of Education through local school districts. The funds come from the federal government GEAR UP grant. These grants run for seven years at a time and the current grant administered to the school is ending this year.
The last grant Pahrump Valley High School was given began in 2012 and lasted until 2019. The most recent grant, which is also the current grant, began in 2020 and will be concluding this year. The GEAR UP program opens the door for students and allows them to take college classes if they so choose. The main goal of GEAR UP is to increase the rate of high school graduation as well as students’ enrollment in college or a trade school after they graduate from high school.
The grants are funded by the government and they pay for students’ tuition. Although the GEAR UP program is concluding, students who wish to take college classes at Great Basin College in the dual enrollment program are still able to, but they would just have to pay for these classes themselves at a discounted rate.
There are multiple people who work with GEAR UP and allow students to have the opportunity to explore their after school options. One of these people is Jennifer Hagstrom who works as the GEAR UP Nevada Specialist at PVHS. Hagstrom works with students about college and career planning along with providing contacts from local colleges and agencies to support students. When asked about what she believes is the best part of GEAR UP is, Ms. Hagstrom stated,“The best part of the GEAR UP program, in my opinion, is working with so many diverse students at PVHS! I love having access to every student that wants to work with my office. I am most proud of helping first generation students realize their dreams of college and/or training after high school and love seeing them and hearing about all of the excitement in their lives after graduation.” It is Hagstrom’s sixth year on the GEAR UP grant and greatly enjoys working with the program.
Another member of the GEAR UP team is Kelly Briggs. Briggs is the GEAR UP First Year College Advisor; she works with students at all five Nevada GEAR UP high schools and First Year Great Basin College students who graduated from those schools. She helps students navigate their way through college and helps them be successful.
Briggs was also asked what the best part of GEAR UP is and she stated, “This is an easy question – the people! The best part about GEAR UP is that it connects students to people who are able to help them navigate college. Going to college is difficult, and knowing there is someone there you already know who can help can be reassuring. It means students don’t have to guess where to find something, they can go to someone they already have a connection with who will either know or will help them find out!” GEAR UP is very valuable and beneficial to the students who are looking for help since they have a place to turn to.
Unfortunately, since the grant for PVHS will be concluding this year. As a result students will not be able to experience the resources and tools the GEAR UP program has to offer. This also may leave some students feeling lost and unsure about procedures, scholarships, or college in general without something there to guide them.
The end of the GEAR UP program at PVHS is unfortunate, but PVHS will continue moving forward. While the program may be ending, its influence will continue through students who became inspired by it, reminding people the importance of support and belief in a student’s potential. If there are any questions or concerns regarding the GEAR UP program consider reaching out toJennifer Hagstrom.
