Sheila Gamero has been selected to serve as director of the new federally-funded GEAR UP program at Arkansas Tech University.
ATU is one of 26 educational entities across the United States chosen for a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.
The grant, which is anticipated to last seven years and total $6.1 million, will allow ATU to serve more than 1,100 students from the Clarksville School District and the Russellville School District.
“As soon as I heard about the grant, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Gamero. “ATU is my home, and with GEAR UP we have an opportunity to make a huge impact on the students, their families and our community. Helping students gain the tools and skills they need to be successful in the future is a passion of mine. Leading a team of people with that same passion is truly an honor.”
Gamero is a three-time graduate of Arkansas Tech. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in management and marketing, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and an online teaching certificate.
A teacher in the Russellville School District from 2013 until the time of her appointment at ATU, Gamero offered instruction in special education, career and technical education and English.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, ATU professor of curriculum and instruction, is the primary investigator on the GEAR UP grant.
“Ms. Gamero has all the qualifications and more for what this grant needs in order to be successful,” said Ibrahim. “As soon as I saw her application, I knew this was someone who could move this grant forward and make an impact for the students. A GEAR UP grant is one of the most rewarding grants we can receive here in the Arkansas River Valley. We are so fortunate that we are hosting this at Arkansas Tech. We are expecting a change in the community at large and we are hoping to bring new businesses to our region as a result of the success of this grant.”
Goals of the ATU GEAR UP program are to increase the academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education of participating students; increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in post-secondary education; and educate students and their families about higher education options, preparation and financing for success in post-secondary education.
Arkansas Tech is the lone educational entity in the State of Arkansas that received a GEAR UP grant for the 2024-25 cycle.
Community partners that are assisting in the implementation of the grant include the Clarksville School District, the Russellville School District, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley Russellville location and Education Consulting LLC.
“The GEAR UP program will benefit many students in the Arkansas River Valley, and I am pleased to have Ms. Gamero directing this effort,” said Dr. Tim Carter, dean of the ATU College of Education and Health. “I know that her goal is to make this program excellent for everyone involved, and we all look forward to working with her in pursuit of this goal.”
The ATU GEAR UP office is located on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville. Once fully staffed, the office will consist of Gamero as well as advisors, office support, professional development coordinators and student success coaches.
“We’re still very much in the planning phase and getting our staff fully in,” said Gamero. “Getting out to the schools and working with the students is our top priority. We’re very fortunate that we get to follow the cohort all the way through for seven years. When we look back, I hope everyone can see the growth of our students and their contributions to the community. We want our students to be workforce ready and prepared for post-secondary education.”