What is Oklahoma GEAR UP?
OK GEAR UP currently partners with 10 school districts and five regional colleges
throughout the state to prepare nearly 12,000 middle and high school students for
college success through college campus tours, ACT test preparation and testing, and
college exploration and preparation courses. GEAR UP offers college access and financial
aid information to students and families through awareness activities, including Oklahoma’s
Promise and FAFSA completion assistance.
Once students arrive on one of GEAR UP’s partner college campuses, college coaches provide support to students in their transition into college. They connect with students to answer questions and share information to set students up for success.
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What schools are considered OK GEAR UP schools?
I want to attend/am attending SWOSU.
And I’m from one of the 10 GEAR UP high schools.
What now?
During your freshman year at SWOSU, you will be greeted with open arms. We are so glad you have chosen your new home at SWOSU. You will be contacted by your GEAR UP College Coach Casey Dowling. As a GEAR UP student and freshman at SWOSU, you will receive free college coaching.
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What is college coaching?Thanks to OK GEAR UP, scheduled monthly one-on-one coaching sessions are offered for your personal development and success during your first year of college. These meetings take place in person, over the phone, or virtually. You can reach out at any time for support. Your college coach is here to help you be successful and achieve your goals. There is no cost to you! Get the most out of collegeCollege coaching can benefit all types of students and is FREE. Working with a coach can help you become better at what you want to do, in and out of the classroom. A college coach can help you get the most out of college, plan your career path, and finish on time. Some of the topics covered
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Meet your college coachCasey Dowling, GEAR UP Specialist
I love spending time with my husband and our dog, Moe. I am addicted to Chick-fil-A and I enjoy watching Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, and anything Disney. When I’m not stuffing my face with Chick-fil-A, I love teaching Zumba. |
I was born and raised in Goose Creek, South Carolina which is right outside of Charleston.
I graduated high school there and attended Charleston Southern University where I
graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After
graduating from college, I taught fourth and fifth grade at an elementary school in
my area. In 2018, the summer after my first year of teaching, I married my husband
Gage Dowling. We loved Charleston but wanted a new adventure. We packed up and moved
to Weatherford, OK in July of 2019 and have loved every second of being here. I started
my journey at SWOSU in August 2019 in the Student Success Center where my passion
for higher education grew. I transitioned into the GEAR UP Specialist position in
May of 2020 where I am able to grow my love for education more and work not only with
Clinton, Duncan, and Woodward high schools, but also freshmen at SWOSU. College was
a pivotal point in my life and I love helping students reach their goals and find
their passions.