The Onboarding Bundle for Directors 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 five topics and get a jump start into their new role within a GEAR UP program.

This bundle captures the basics and essential skills for directors in GEAR UP programs. First, learn about common concepts associated with partnerships and importance of understanding the district and regional structures, stakeholders, and challenges to the national GEAR UP program priorities in District and Regional Issues. Next, learn about organizational culture, professional learning, and management styles in Managing Others. Following that, dive into a core component of a director role: Leadership. Cover the many elements of implementing a grant and the core components of leadership. Commitment to Diversity will help you build awareness around diversity issues 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 staff, students, and community. Finally, you will finish the bundle with GEAR UP Policy for Evaluators. Understanding GEAR UP policy will ensure that you have the information and data you need to effectively serve the students, families, and communities in you GEAR UP program.

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