How Vermont’s GEAR UP supports students: five profiles from National GEAR UP Week

Services include one-on-one college and career exploration and counseling, family engagement opportunities, school-based initiatives, educator training, and partnerships with colleges, training programs, and state agencies. The program's stated purpose is to strengthen Vermont's college- and career-ready culture by giving students and families information and direct support for next steps after high school.

Lilly Schlegel — Oxbow High School, 11th grade

Lilly aspires to become a postpartum nurse. She participated in the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., which she called "an amazing opportunity that created a welcoming environment for people who want to improve their leadership skills." Her GEAR UP outreach counselor Kassidy Moore notes Lilly's efforts to help other students and improve the program locally.

Rowan Dressel — Springfield High School, 9th grade

Rowan plans a college path toward writing and journalism. He took part in SEEDS leadership training at Vermont State Randolph, an overnight camp for middle and high school students focused on confidence and social-emotional skills. His counselor, Jessi Krause-Heron, describes him as magnetic and thoughtful and credits him with encouraging peers to get the most out of lessons.

Grayson Staples — North Country Union High School, 9th grade

Grayson is in advanced rock band and is focused on growing his confidence. He also attended the SEEDS leadership program, which he says helped him learn how to be a leader in his community. Counselor Amanda Frattaroli describes him as smart, kind, and authentic, and says he makes others feel comfortable.

Brooklynn Letourneau — Richford Junior Senior High School and Cold Hollow Career Center, senior

Amelia Munger — Vermont State Castleton, junior

Amelia is working toward becoming a registered nurse and plans to gain more clinical hospital experience. She intends to specialize in complex skin wounds, ostomy, and continence care. VSAC outreach counselor Tia Stillman supports her progress.

• Students report increased confidence and leadership skills after participating in Youth Leadership Summit and SEEDS training.
• Counselors provide hands-on help with college fairs, applications, and financial-aid organization.
• The program connects students to postsecondary placement and early-year supports for about 300 students starting college or training.

What this means for readers in Vermont

If you are a student, family member, or educator in Vermont, GEAR UP is positioned to provide one-on-one college and career planning, family outreach, and leadership-development opportunities. The five profiles show how those services translate into clearer career goals, leadership roles at school, and organized steps toward college and training.