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.