The Onboarding Bundle for College Access Professionals is designed for staff new to a GEAR UP program. This onboarding bundle will help establish the skills and knowledge that any practitioner in GEAR UP should encompass. Taking this as part of an onboarding will allow the individual to learn the basics of these four topics and get a jump start into their new role within a GEAR UP program.

This bundle begins with exploring the challenges faced by public schools, terminology associated with schools and GEAR UP programs, and how to more effectively engage with your GEAR UP community. Next, Commitment to Diversity will help you build awareness around diversity issues that you may face in your role. Learn about the difference between equity and equality and strengthen your skill in understanding the unique cultural narratives of your students. Then, advance into Planning and Organizing to cement your skills in organization and prioritizing your work to best serve your students. Lastly, learn about the basics of communication and build your skills in crafting a message and tailoring it to a specific audience. Then, work through the Micromodule, How to Create a Communications Plan as you simultaneously learn and build your own communications plan.

These courses were selected for the Onboarding Bundle for college access professionals because they touch on knowledge, skills, and abilities that many job descriptions for this role encompass. Taking this bundle will give college access professionals a strong foundation as they establish skills and best practices to perform in their roles.