So, it’s official, GEAR UP is leaving Marion City Schools June 30th, 2022. I know, very, very sad.
Thankfully, Mr. King isn’t going anywhere and will ensure a proper closure for compliance of the grant, meaning he will continue working with students as a GEAR UP college & career coach for the time being.
Although this is GEAR UP’s final season at Marion City Schools, another program, TRIO Talent Search, is being introduced in its place.
The TRIO program is basically a sister to GEAR UP. They both have the same purpose of serving students with college and career access advising.
Just like GEAR UP, TRIO will be able to assist students as they venture into life after graduation. Students may come back for college entrance counseling, financial aid advising such as completing the FAFSA and scholarships, military career advising and military enlistment, as well as career advising, resume assistance, etc.
Also, previous GEAR UP advisors are back for the new program…sort of. Mrs. Kelly Garrett & Mr./Coach Corey Chatman are now TRIO advisors (Garrett is the director) for Marion Technical college's new career and college access grant, TRIO Talent Search.
However, they will only be at Harding on limited schedules as the TRIO program is funded through Marion Technical College & the U.S. Department of Education and serves multiple school districts, not just Marion City Schools.
Actually it serves students who are enrolled in any grade six through twelve who attend or live in the target areas of Marion Harding, Grant Middle, Elgin Middle & High School, Ridgedale Jr/Sr high schools, Mt. Gilead middle/high schools, Cardington-Lincoln Middle/high schools, Upper Sandusky Middle/high schools, & Kenton middle and high city schools. That is seven districts in total! This means that advisors will be in and out of Harding and Grant Middle.
If any students or parent(s)/guardian(s) have questions, please feel free to contact the Talent Search office at (740) 725-4005.
Please also make sure to complete the TRIO application to participate in this program.
Students may pick up and turn in their TRIO applications to the GEAR UP office, room 136.
