Back to School

African American male student laughing while sitting at his desk.

Start your school year off on the right foot!

If you’re interested in college or just have questions, GEAR UP is here to help parents and students navigate their options. Our school specialists provide one-on-one guidance for students as they prepare for higher education. Check out our resources below!

Meet Your School Specialists!

As the school year begins, your Oklahoma GEAR UP School Specialist is here to answer your questions and start you on the right path! Meet with your School Specialist each week in person, by phone or email.

Connie Arneson

School Specialist
carneson@osrhe.edu
405-225-9283
Serves Ada and Durant

Jamie Shanks

School Specialist
jshanks@osrhe.edu
405-225-9423
Serves Jay and Locust Grove

Heather Blumer

School Specialist
hblumer@osrhe.edu
405-225-9212
Serves Woodward

Rachelle Sturges

School Specialist
rsturges@osrhe.edu
405-225-9422
Claremore and Skiatook

Cassie Landers

School Specialist
clanders@osrhe.edu
405-225-9203
Serves Tahlequah

Lorri Windom

School Specialist
lwindom@osrhe.edu
405-225-9487
Serves Clinton and Duncan

Students

Explore the college prep tools below and see how GEAR UP can help get you started!

Link Find Your School Specialist

Your School Specialist is a college prep expert here to support you.

Link Financial Planning

When you put all the pieces together, college really can be affordable. Learn the differences between financial aid options, such as grants, loans, work study and scholarship offers.

Link FAFSA

Start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.gov.

Link ACT

Find out more information about the ACT college admission exam.

Link Oklahoma's Promise

The Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship Program pays college tuition for students whose family income is less than $60,000 per year and who meet certain academic and behavior requirements.

Parents

GEAR UP can help parents support their students as they plan for college.

Link Find your Education Coordinator

Your Education Coordinator is a GEAR UP staff member just for parents.

Link Financial Planning

When you put all the pieces together, college really can be affordable for your family. Learn the differences between financial aid options, such as grants, loans, work study and scholarship offers.

Link FAFSA

Start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.gov.

Link Grade-by-Grade College Prep Checklists

Check out OKcollegestart.org’s grade level checklists for prepping for college.

Link Visit Oklahoma Colleges and Universities

Take the time to visit college campuses with your student before making a final decision.

Subscribe to our podcast!

Looking to get a college degree? Higher Ed Hacks is here to help. Hosted by college student, Lily Swindell, we’ll dig deep into topics that will help you apply to, get ready for and be successful in college, breaking them down so you know exactly how to get started. Listen to the latest episode about the benefits of getting a degree, how to get on the path to college, and the resources GEAR UP provides for university-bound students.

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