California GEAR UP e-Newsletter

R.T. Fisher & Associates (RTF), an educational & public outreach consulting firm, is a close partner with California GEAR UP. It was formed by Robyn Fisher in January, 1999. Robyn is a former governmental affairs and legislative education specialist and university outreach program director. She has been a consultant on many federal, state and local educational programs, providing training services for nearly 15 years.

Headquartered in Oakland, RTF specializes in education program planning and development. It focuses on reaching students who feel less at home in today’s school environment, including students from economically challenged families and those underrepresented in California higher educational systems. Some of their clients include Upward Bound, the Ronald McNair Scholars Program, the University of California System, the California State University System and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. RTF also owns and manages the QUAD, an academic resource and training center.

Since the year 2000, RTF has been providing services to California GEAR UP. The organization is most known to the GEAR UP community for assisting with the development, maintenance and training of the GEAR UP Resources and Materials Clearinghouse and for bringing the beloved "Cee Cee" (College Corner) to life. Staff also works closely with other GEAR UP projects including the Continuing Schools Project, the Community Based Project, the Family Initiatives Project and the Student Services Model Project as well as the College Board, another GEAR UP partner.