The GEAR UP approach to increasing the student’s academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education includes assisting those who work in our partner schools with the cohort we are serving – a systemic approach to student success. GEAR UP assists the partner schools through financial assistance for professional development, concurrent college courses, technology infusion, cultural/educational field trips, classroom enrichment, summer camps, tutoring, mentoring, and college campus visits.
For the current fiscal year, the GEAR UP Project has set aside funds to financially assist partner school teachers and administrators in obtaining professional development in Oklahoma. Funding assistance by the project must be pre-approved through an application process before the training or conference is scheduled. Funds are not available for travel out-of-state.
The process for evaluation of the award of assistance includes an application to be signed and submitted by the partner school employee which also includes a signature as an endorsement of the training by a district administrator. To qualify for assistance:
- The applicant must be a public school teacher, counselor, or administrator currently employed by one of the 10 school districts served by the Seminole State College GEAR UP “Dreamcatcher” grant, and
- The teacher, counselor, or administrator must currently teach or supervise the instruction of students in the grant’s cohort group (11th or 12th grade) or be scheduled to teach students in the cohort for the 2022-23 academic year, and
- The application must include an endorsement of the training by a district administrator prior to submission for consideration.
Matching financial support by the district or the individual may be a consideration in the evaluation of awarding GEAR UP financial assistance for professional development activity. No applications will be approved for more than the conference/training registration and travel cost. Early application is encouraged since funding will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To apply for assistance, print and complete the provided form. The application should be returned to the GEAR UP offices by fax to (405) 382-9688 or a scanned digital copy may be emailed to @sscok.edu. For any questions about the application process or potential for GEAR UP assistance with specific professional development activities, contact the GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator at (405) 382-9682.
