Steven Martinez Grande, a Pathway Coordinator at Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota, recently co-hosted his first discussion lab as a member of the Student Engagement Committee for the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP). This nationwide committee, made up of fewer than a dozen members, brings together a diverse group of professionals joined by a shared mission: to help partners engage students in ways that resonate with them personally.
In collaboration with Jasmine Arnold, a College Readiness Program Manager in Cleveland, Martinez Grande facilitated a conversation focused on “GEAR UP in Middle School: Building Foundations for Long-Term Success.” The lab addressed the unique challenges of middle school engagement, particularly around aligning GEAR UP goals with school priorities and developing stronger relationships with school staff.
The discussion also explored effective early interventions for promoting a college-going culture and examined non-negotiables within the Get Ready initiative. With over 50 participants engaging in discussion over the course of an hour, the session raised meaningful and practical conversations and takeaways.
Martinez Grande’s passion lies in persistence, making sure that students not only enroll in college but stay the course. As the Student Engagement Committee prepares for its next session at the NCCEP conference in July, Martinez Grande hopes to continue growing a national network of partners dedicated to student success.
