What should I expect?
This is not your typical conference! The focus is on improving GEAR UP through collaborative problem-solving, gaining support from peers, and strengthening relationships among Directors. See the at-a-glance agenda.
In addition to structured networking and peer consulting opportunities, attendees can select one collaborative problem-solving topic to explore. Volunteer facilitators from the GEAR UP Director community will lead participants through a process to identify root causes and brainstorm possible solutions to some of the core challenges faced by GEAR UP.
Topics were nominated by GEAR UP Directors and selected in collaboration with the planning committee. The majority of the Directors’ Summit will focus on these key challenges:
Building Buy-In at Schools: How can we overcome communication and buy-in hurdles with local school boards, administrators, and teachers so that GEAR UP is seen as an embedded part of the school or district?
Leading Systemic and Cultural Change: How can we use GEAR UP to affect systemic and cultural change that exists beyond the life of the grant?
Messaging the Value of College: How can we address skepticism around higher education by effectively communicating the value of all postsecondary pathways?
Supporting Postsecondary Students: How can we effectively monitor and support students in the transition to and during their first year of postsecondary education to combat summer melt and improve persistence?
Using Data for Decision-Making: How can we use data on specific interventions to drive decision-making and improve key student outcomes?
A summary of all discussions and brainstormed solutions will be shared following the event.
