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Gear Up

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GEAR UP Okanogan  GEAR UP or “Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” is a 7-year grant serving Okanogan 7-12th graders. GEAR UP’s vision is that all students are academically, socially, and financially prepared to enter and complete their chosen postsecondary program or institution. Learn more about Washington State’s GEAR UP program by visiting the website: https://gearup.wa.gov/students-families 

Our Objectives:  

  1. Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education. 

  1. Increase high school graduation and postsecondary participation rates. 

  1. Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and finances. 

Support Hours:  

  • 7-8am most Tuesdays & Thursdays 

  • 3-4pm most Mondays & Wednesdays 

  • Drop-in hours, including lunch and special appointments, are updated daily!  

Students can view our availability posted outside our door or ask a staff member to see updated hours on the GEAR UP Activities Outlook calendar. When in doubt, just ask!  

Families may request a special appointment during or outside of the school day by contacting our GEAR UP Advisor.  

Ways to Engage Volunteer, Host or Job Site or be a Guest Speaker! 

Family and community members can engage with GEAR UP Okanogan by volunteering, hosting a job site visit, or being a guest speaker! Interested? Complete this interest form and we’ll be in touch, soon! 

GEAR UP Events 

  • February 20: Family Orientation 6pm (7-12th grade families) 

Meet the GEAR UP team and learn what career and college readiness services are available FREE to your student! Let us work together to support your students' dreams! 

Presented also in Spanish. Light Refreshments Provided.  

  • March 5: College Visit_Perry Technical Institute (HS only) 

  • March 6: College Visit_ Spokane Community College & Eastern Washington University (HS only) 

  • March 7: College Visit_ Wenatchee Valley College & Chelan PUD Rocky Reach (HS only)

  • March 17: Gear Up Zoom Chat Session on March 17th at 5pm! RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/1ugZrCWUrt

  • March 28: Family Zoom Chat UW Student Panel. 10am to 12pm, being held in GEAR UP Room (107)

 

  • Student Tools to GEAR UP

Self-Exploration

 

Career Education  

  • Career One Stop Leverage tools to explore careers and salaries, search for jobs, review resume examples, interview tips and more. 

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Browse information about hundreds of occupations, including average pay, job outlook, and career specific information.  

  • O*NET Online: A-Z listings of all occupations, including salaries and job requirements.  

 

Post Secondary Education Options 

  • Apprenticeships: coming soon! 

  • Internships: coming soon! 

  • Employment: coming soon! 

 

Scholarships 

Check out a list of local and nationwide scholarship opportunities, updated monthly! Click here: Okanogan GEAR UP Scholarship Search 

Explore other scholarship opportunities on these sites:  

 

Writing College Essays 

Meet the GEAR UP Team 

Gear Up Team

 

Casey Ball, GEAR UP Advisor 

Casey was born and raised in Spokane, WA. As a Running Start student, she earned her AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College and continued her education at Eastern Washington University. After earning a bachelor degree for International Affairs and Economics, Casey joined the US Peace Corps and began her volunteer service in Zambia. After a medical accident, Casey returned home after an injury disrupted her plan! She earned her Master of Business Administration online and began to serve the Spokane community explore their skills, interests, and educational options through workforce development. Casey has 3 years' experience working in specially funded grants and student employment at a community college and is thrilled to be helping Okanogan students and families navigate college systems.  

 

Contact Casey at cball@oksd.wednet.edu or 509-422-3770*3107 

 

Jesse Villaraldo, GEAR UP Graduation Specialist 

Jesse is a first-generation college graduate who courageously embraced the uncertainties and challenges of higher education. After graduating from Okanogan High School, he started his higher education journey at Wenatchee Valley College before transferring to Washington State University –Vancouver, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Initially focused on a career in law enforcement, Jesse’s perspective was transformed by a work-study position and volunteer work at a restorative justice program for youth. This profound impact of this experience shifted his career aspirations, leading him to pursue a path in social services. Today, Jesse wants to support the next generation of Okanogan students to discover their potential and help navigate their own higher education journeys.   

 

Contact Jesse at jvillaraldo@oksd.wednet.edu or 509-422-3770*3129 

 

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