FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 29, 2009

Federal Way parent to receive national honor for work with GEAR UP program

     OLYMPIA – George Williams of Federal Way will be honored by the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) for his work with the Washington state GEAR UP program in the Federal Way School District.

     Williams is one of five parents across the country who will receive the GEAR UP Parent Leadership Award during the NCCEP/GEAR UP annual conference July 19-22 in San Francisco. The Washington state GEAR UP program is a partnership of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Governor’s office, the University of Washington, College Success Foundation, school districts, and a number of national, state, and local organizations.

     GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a federal program designed to increase college attendance and success among low-income K-12 students.

     Williams has been active in the GEAR UP program at Thomas Jefferson High School in the Federal Way School District for the past four years.  His activities include meeting with GEAR UP parents monthly to discuss ways to improve academic achievement and address other challenges students and families may be facing.

     A retired EMT with the Seattle Fire Department, Williams has provided foster care for children for 20 years and has had one child participate in GEAR UP.

     “Mr. Williams has a way of gaining trust from a wide cross-section of GEAR UP family members, and they know he will be a powerful advocate for them in addressing the challenges they face,” said Weiya Liang, the HECB’s Associate Director for GEAR UP.  “We are very pleased that Mr. Williams has been selected from among the thousands of dedicated GEAR UP parents for this great honor.”

     The direct line of communication he has established with GEAR UP families has resulted in increased involvement from families that are not traditionally engaged with the school and with their children’s education, Liang added.

     More information on GEAR UP is available on the program website at www.gearup.wa.gov/.   For information about NCCEP, visit www.edpartnerships.org/.

# # #

For more information: Gary Larson

(360) 753-7817 or garyl@hecb.wa.gov