POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – The NECSD NYGear Up program took a trip to Marist College on Friday, August 16, for an educational visit to learn about the benefits of becoming a college student from a panel consisting of members of Marist Athletics.

"Each panel participant's story was unique," said NECSD NYGear Up Program Coordinator Sharif L. Washington. "Our students were able to relate to each of them in different ways and asked phenomenal questions. Our students also had the opportunity to briefly tour the school grounds and get a small taste of college life.

NYGEAR UP helps students develop a vision for their future selves. Students are inspired to discover their identities and values and to refine their educational goals and aspirations. NYGEAR UP partners with school districts, state partners, colleges, and community organizations to help students navigate everything they need to know about the college and career planning process. Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to explore and prepare academically, socially, and financially to enter and complete post-secondary programs at institutions of their choice and increase their knowledge and skills for jobs of the future.  

The goal of NYGEAR UP is to create innovative programs that assist students in low-income areas in preparing to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Their summer Gear Up program goal is to provide intentional intervention and support to increase their school's capacity to provide post-secondary education and training to the class of 2028 every day.

"Thank you to Marist College for sharing your remarkable campus and talented panel with the NECSD NYGear Up program," NECSD NYGear Up Event Facilitator Kevin Rogers. "Our visit was instrumental in assisting our scholars in reaching their goals. Every student went home with a print out of the features and benefits of becoming a student at Marist College."

The GEAR UP Summer Bridge 9th-grade scholars visited Marist College for the first time in an event set up by Associate Athletic Director/Director of External Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer for Athletics, Harrison Baker. 

"Sharing the Marist experience with students from my high school alma mater was truly humbling," Baker said. "I'm eager to continue working alongside this group to create opportunities and inspire future generations of college-bound students."

Baker set up a diverse panel, who were able to speak on what to expect in college; including classes, professors, admissions, athletics, compliance, and career pathways. The panel included current Marist Athletics staff members Caroline Baratta, Mike Kagafas, Tyrell Walden-Martin, Baker, and student-athlete Richard Morel.

Following the panel, the group was able to briefly tour Marist's campus, including the McCann Center before departing for the day.

"More importantly, the students left with new knowledge and perspectives to apply to their own lives," Washington added. "This visit certainly sparked possibilities and interests. They all cannot wait to visit Marist again in the near future."