Trying to find creative ways to engage students virtually? Come hear how the GEAR UP Achievers of South King County in Washington have utilized social media and virtual office hours to engage students virtually in STEM and college access. Participants will hear about our weekly STEM challenges and STEM club along with how to use platforms like Nearpod and Pear Deck to create fun and engaging office hour sessions for students. We'll also be discussing ways to recruit students and keep them coming back! This session is intended for school-based GEAR UP staff.

Join this session to hear about how campus visits are taking place in a virtual environment. We will share best practices from both GEAR UP Washington and FOCUS Training on implementation and the delivery of engaging experiences for students. As part of the program, participants can expect to receive sample activities, curriculum and to connect with others in sharing best practices.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experienced homelessness on their own each year. The outbreak and resulting economic crisis have pushed more youth into homelessness, and at the same time, exacerbated the challenges of youth who were homeless prior to the outbreak. Yet higher education remains their best long-term opportunity for economic independence, health, stability, and well-being. Unaccompanied homeless youth face extraordinary challenges filling out the FAFSA.