GEAR UP Alums Collaborate with Current GEAR UP Students
A handful of former West Lake Junior High School alumni who participated in a GEAR UP program returned to their roots to collaborate with current eighth-grade students and share their college and career journeys. The alumni volunteering at the event are in their second year of college or a trade school program.
Alumni chatting with current GEAR UP students
Educational opportunities of all kinds!
Monica Gomez, West Lake Site Coordinator, has worked closely with the eighth-grade peer leaders throughout the school year and wanted to give them the opportunity to participate in West Lake’s annual college week.
“We have been talking a lot about colleges and the eighth-grade peer leaders chose a school to highlight at the Explore Paths Fair, which culminated the week-long college week activities, “Gomez said. “I am proud of the students because they made the event happen.”
During the event, alums were paired with West Lake Junior High eighth-graders to play college and career-themed versions of popular games such as “Would You Rather.” Peer Leaders also learned about the colleges attended by alums and created detailed posters highlighting key facts about their assigned institution.
“The students exceeded my expectations and worked really hard on their posters,” Gomez said. “I want to laminate them and keep them forever.”
This event happened during the annual West Lake College week, which featured the theme “College can be for me. Many paths, one future.” Teachers got involved in the festivities by wearing college graduation caps and gowns. Alumni also shared what college is like for them, giving students real-life insight.
Students also had the opportunity to explore additional post-secondary options by interacting with representatives from Granite Technical Institute, the military, and apprentice programs.