NCCEP/GEAR UP Conference Demonstrates the Right Attitude for School Reform

Spring 2007 | Admin | May 21, 2007 at 7:11 pm

Over thirty active California Local Partnerships were among the 2,000 participants at the NCCEP/GEAR UP national conference in San Francisco from July 22-25, 2007. California GEAR UP staff hosted the event by cheering, providing music by a group of talented young musicians headed by guitarist/singer Gabi Wilson, and displaying the story of California GEAR UP in the Gallery Walk.

Staff and young people from GEAR UP schools voiced their views through workshops and panel presentations of how to do meaningful educational reform. As President of the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), Dr. Hector Garza led the charge with What is good for GEAR UP students is good for ALL students. One highlight was the presentation of College Entrance Examination Scholarships of $2,500 each to six high school graduates by corporate sponsor Petersons.

Project STEPS displays college banners; the partnership includes Walter Reed and Sun Valley Middle Schools as well as North Hollywood, Francis Polytechnic, and East Valley High Schools.

Jill Campbell and Natalie Smyers, Administrative Assistants, along with Executive Assistant Bernadette Ramirez and Project Coordinator Crystal Graves set up the GEAR UP Storyboard for the Gallery Walk.