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CSN Student Stephani Ruiz was one of thirty Alumni Leaders from the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) selected from twenty two states to participate in the inaugural GEAR UP Alumni Leadership Academy. She is one of two GEAR UP Alumni Leaders of The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships who began this initiative with the national GEAR UP community and with financial assistance from The Kresge Foundation. This is a 12-month program designed to train and engage GEAR UP alumni in advocacy and leadership, and work toward creating positive change in education policy for their young peers. The GEAR UP Alumni Leaders will share personal experiences about the challenges of preparing for, applying to, and affording college. They will educate lawmakers about the importance and value of GEAR UP. GEAR UP Alumni Leaders will also articulate how the federal investment in them—an average of $2400 per student or $400 per year for 6 years- will be returned to the community over the student’s lifetime by earning a livable wage, paying increased taxes, strengthening citizens engagement, and better public health. Alumni Leaders will build their confidence and skills, and harness their leadership potential to become empowered, community-centered citizens. The program runs from May 2013 through May 2014 and will focus on four key leadership skills in advocacy development:

Peer Outreach: To understand the power of peer influence and mobilize peers for action and outcomes.

• Social Media Activism: To employ the tools available and use them as a vehicle for change with peers and other circles of influence.
• Public Speaking: To share student stories in an effective and non-exploitative way that is tailored to specific audiences (lawmakers, parents, current students)
• Issue Advocacy: To apply newly acquired advocacy skills in direct ways through Capitol Hill and District visit to elected officials, responding to and initiating calls to action, and leading a Hill briefing.

As CSN engages in all-around efforts to increase the success rates of our students by course and degree attainment, the college’s Student Ambassador Program is doing its part to move forward the completion agenda. After undergoing a rigorous selection process this past spring, six high achieving outgoing students became the first Student Ambassador Program cohort. Their primary task is to provide prospective and incoming students with direction, support, and motivation throughout the matriculation process, all while engaging in leadership development opportunities to further their own college experience.
You may have already spotted the college’s first team of Student Ambassadors working face-to-face orientations, assisting during the ninety-six advising workshops held this summer, walking registration and financial aid lines, and manning the First-Steps Desk in the Department of Advising and Coaching Services. Student Ambassadors Aide Hernandez and Isaura “Vanessa” Gutierrez serve mostly on the Cheyenne Campus, as does Ambassador Barbara Gordon who also works alongside Ambassadors Grant Estes and LaQuianette “Queen” Williams on the Charleston Campus. Ambassador Raymundo “Ray” Zuñiga is a most welcome addition to the Henderson Campus. Under the supervision of Interim Student Recruitment Coordinator, Chuck Masoka, these high performing and dedicated student leaders inform prospective and new students of necessary steps for successful registration, enrollment, and access to CSN’s numerous resources for success. Student Ambassadors are not only highly visible on the CSN campuses, but also in the community as they represent the College to high school students, parents, teachers, administrators and civic organizations.
In addition to developing leadership, mentoring, and public speaking skills, Student Ambassadors attain valuable work experience, earn above-average hourly wages, and receive a $1,000 Ambassador Scholarship for tuition, fees and book expenses during fall and spring terms. Most rewarding of all, Student Ambassadors are proud of the positive impact they have on the early college experience of new students and have confidence that their interactions will have a lasting effect on the educational journey of those they helped. When asked, Student Ambassador Barbara Ayarza Gordon probably said it best – “Being a Student Ambassador is a great way to inspire other students to persevere when reaching their own academic goals. If I can do it successfully, anyone can!” Ambassador Grant Estes expressed a similar sentiment – “As a Student Ambassador I get to help my fellow students, interface with the community, and be a part of fun, educational events throughout the school year. This program has been uniquely rewarding and has greatly contributed to the rich tapestry that is my college experience.”
To qualify for the Student Ambassador Program applicants must have completed their first term at CSN, have earned a minimum of 12 credits with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or higher, and have enrolled in no less than 12 credit hours for fall or spring. Preferred qualifications include bilingual Spanish, possession of a valid Nevada driver’s license, and demonstrated previous public speaking experience. For more information or to apply for the Student Ambassador Program, please contact Mr. Chuck Masoka at 651-4717 or chuck.masoka@csn.edu.

by Laura Latimer, Assistant Vice-President of Community Engagement Services