
Schools
Montana GEAR UP partners with 18 middle & high schools to help equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in the world of college and work. Our programs are designed at the school level to make sure we cater to the needs of your school and its particular set of challenges.
GEAR UP Schools and Colleges
Montana GEAR UP schools offer comprehensive mentoring & tutoring services, access to dual enrollment, help with college applications, guidance on financial aid & scholarships, organization of summer programs & internships, and lots more! Gear Up programs are designed at the school level to make sure we cater to the needs of schools and their particular set of challenges.
School |
Liaison |
Contact Info |
Arlee Public Schools
|
Damon Cordier |
p: 726-3216 ext: 2305 |
Box Elder Public Schools |
Megan Maroney |
e: mmaroney@boxelder.k12.mt.us p: 352-4195 ext: 5132 |
Browning Middle School |
Nathan Stone |
p: 338-2725 ext: 4921 |
Browning High School |
Melanie Magee |
e: melaniem@bps.k12.mt..us |
Hardin Middle School |
Ladona Yerian |
e: ladona.yerian@hardin.k12.mt.us p: 665-6343 |
Hardin High School |
Lance Olson |
e: lance.olson@hardin.k12.mt.us p: 665-6406 |
Harlem Public Schools |
David Murray |
p: 353-2289 X 3803 |
Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools |
Paul Condon |
e: pcondon@hlpschools.k12.mt.us p: 548-4723 |
Lame Deer Public Schools |
Frances Altekruse |
e: frances.altekruse@lamedeer.k12.mt.us p: 477-8900 ext: 1217 |
Libby Public Schools |
Deanna Malyevac |
p: 293-8802 ext: 1951 |
Lodge Grass Public Schools |
TBD 2022 |
e: p: |
Pryor Public Schools |
Talitha Goes Ahead |
e: talithagoesahead@pryorstaff.org p: 259-7329 |
Rocky Boy Public Schools |
Sapphire Carter |
e: sapphirec@rockyboy.k12.mt.us p: 395-4474 ext: 223 |
St. Ignatius Public Schools |
Alan Pule |
e: apule@stignatiusschools.org p: 745-3811ext: 265 |
St. Regis Public Schools |
Jennifer Pruitt |
e: pruittjennifer@stregis.k12.mt.us p: 649-2311 |
Superior Public Schools |
Toni Labbe |
p: 822-3600 ext: 117 |
Thompson Falls Public Schools |
Penny Beckman |
e: pbeckman@tfalls.orgp: 827-3593 ext: 7069 |
Troy Public Schools |
Jessica Knapp |
p: 295-4520 ext: 2126 |
School |
Coordinator |
Contact Info |
Flathead Valley Community College |
Lauri Berg |
e: lberg@fvcc.edu p: 406-756-3882 |
Montana State University |
Judi Haskins |
p: 406-994-4374 |
Montana State University - Billings |
TBD |
|
Salish Kootenai College |
Terri Cordier |
p: 406-275-4792 |
University of Montana |
Mindy May |
p: 406-243-2281 |
Supporting GEAR UP at your school.

Examples of GEAR UP Supported Services
Services Under Goal 1: Prepare students academically to take college level classes without the need for remediation. To help meet this objective GEAR UP funds services like dual enrollment classes, STEM exploration, academic assessments, academic competitions, robotics and drone classes, as well as professional development for teachers.
Services Under Goal 2: Increase high school graduation levels and college enrollment. To help meet this objective GEAR UP funds services like academic tutoring and remediation, orientations for students entering 7th and 9th grade, college application week, and senior portfolios.
Services Under Goal 3: Increase parents’ and student’s knowledge of post-secondary options, including affordability. To help meet this objective GEAR UP funds services like career fairs, academic advising that helps parents understand what their student needs to do to be college ready, financial literacy, FAFSA assistance, campus visits, and hosting college student panels.

Implementing A College Going Culture
If you would like to help GEAR UP at your school, volunteer to be a local team member, help with GEAR UP activities, talk with students and their caregivers about why education is needed after high school. Display posters that encourage students to graduate and pursue higher education. Invite guest speakers who can talk about how their education is used in their career. Find creative ways to use assignments to help students connect classroom learning with higher education.
Talk to students about how your education has helped you in life. Help them understand how to afford college. Encourage them to use tutoring, to take harder classes, and make yourself available to answer their questions. One caring adult can make all the difference. Students beyond the top 5% of academic performers can successfully obtain a college education. One sentence of belief can inspire a student to aim high.
What Does GEAR UP Mean for Your Community