Nevada GEAR UP Digest
February 2021
https://gearup.epscorspo.nevada.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/gearup-logo-265-min.png
2/17/2021
Greetings!
Welcome to February! The spring term is off and running with many activities and topical presentations planned for GEAR UP students and parents. The planning for summer programming is underway as well. It's hard to imagine it has been almost a year since we all heard "COVID" for the first time and life changed as we all knew it. Hopefully, there is a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel and we can all look forward to returning to our pre-COVID lives, or at least something similar, in the not too distant future. While virtual programming has become a new normal, we look forward to the time when we can be together for some awesome events and celebrations!

During the month of February, we see a lot of hearts and flowers. One thing we know for sure, all year long, we love GEAR UP! Please take a few moments to find out about our GEAR UP happenings detailed below and as always, have a wonderful month!
BLOG POST
This month's blog was written by GEAR UP First Year College Advisor at CSN, Morgan Haynes. Read it here!
UPCOMING EVENTS

NCCEP National Conference
The conference is scheduled for July 18-21, 2021. Registration will be opening in April. The latest information can be found here.

Upcoming College Corners and Power Hours
In the coming weeks, we have several topical presentations planned during our regular College Corners and Power Hours. In addition to college application sessions, dual enrollment information, and Black History Month celebrations, we will also welcome the Treasurer's Office presenting on Financial Aid Basics on February 23rd at both GEAR UP Power Hours and NV Help Desk presenting on various tech certifications on March 2nd, also during our regular GEAR UP Power Hours.

Social Media
(For all students, parents, staff and supporters)
Don't forget to like and follow @gearupnv on any or all of our social media platforms! You can use the icons above to access the GEAR UP accounts. New GEAR UP students that like and follow us will be entered into a drawing for a great prize!! Don't wait! The drawing will be happening soon!
February is Black History Month!
Join us for Black history month as we celebrate Black excellence, community, and unity. We are engaging with our community members to talk about their journeys on our social media pages. We also created a Spotify playlist "A Taste of Black Culture" with different artists from over the years celebrating empowerment and giving us a chance to embrace our culture. Keep checking our social media to see what else we have planned for this month. Let's remember to not just celebrate in February, but all year around.

You can access the Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cBDYE0tnOkrdPjVAtJhdA

Please like and follow our social media during February and all year long using the links at the top of the page.
Saying Good-Bye and Good Luck to Brooke!!

The time has come to wish a fond farewell to Brooke Stutler, our GEAR UP Communications Specialist and student worker. Brooke is set to graduate with her bachelor's degree from UNR in May. She has applied to a master's program in Behavioral Analysis which she will begin in the fall. She recently accepted an opportunity to work in this field. We will miss you Brooke but wish you the best of luck in your studies and future endeavors! Thank you for all you have done for GEAR UP while you were here!
Capacity Building Workshop
Most of the Nevada State GEAR UP staff attended the NCCEP Capacity Building Workshop earlier this month. Of course, this year, it was offered virtually but that did not take away from the excitement of the event, the amazing information shared, and the overall theme of EXCEL-PROVE-MOBILIZE!

There were many learning experiences and practices that we can employ in our various programs but one thing we learned that was very clear. Gratitude can make a huge impact on our lives and our overall happiness. We are grateful to the GEAR UP program, our students, families, schools, staff, and supporters!
Paradigm Shift

Nevada GEAR UP will be partnering with Paradigm Shift in the coming months to provide programming for students and staff. Paradigm Shift is an educational consulting and training firm that frequently works with GEAR UP programs. Paradigm Shift offers many programs, services, and activities specifically geared towards empowering students to be the leaders of tomorrow. Their specialized experiential learning technique ensures that students dynamically participate in their material, ensuring they not only remember what they learn, but are also prepared to apply it to their present and their future.
If not otherwise noted, questions regarding content in this Digest should be directed to: 
Janet Stake, NSHE GEAR UP Director, Programming and Outreach
Funded by USDE Nevada State GEAR UP Grant #P334S190009