GEAR UP director hired

BOISE-An educator with 20 years of experience has been chosen to lead the State Board of Education's GEAR UP Idaho program.

Steven Abels, the director of the Individual Occupational Training Program at Sandpoint High School, and a certified career development facilitator, will begin working Nov. 13. Abels brings a wealth of practical experience to the position having worked with numerous federal, state and county agencies including the Veterans Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, Job Services and private vendors.

GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program that will infuse $18 million into Idaho's education system, including $9 million in scholarships for financially needy students. The program is aimed at helping low income students become better prepared for higher education.

"I look forward to the opportunity of being the GEAR UP manager for the State of Idaho. Having the ability to offer students the chance to attend college can only lead to a highly skilled workforce and has the potential of increasing the number of students able to continue their education past high school."

According to a news release from the State Board, Abels is a passionate advocate for students, teaching them to channel their skills into rewarding careers. He is also the creator of the Career-College Assistance Program at Sandpoint High School which offers guidance to students to gain information about colleges, financial aid and scholarships.

Abels holds a master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Idaho and a Bachelor's of Science in Education from University of Idaho.

The GEAR UP program focuses on talking with students beginning in middle school about the importance of post-secondary education. Close to 90 middle and high schools throughout the state are eligible. The grant funds additional counseling staff and sets up regional counseling centers throughout the state. The regional centers will also include creation of a community advisory committee to develop programs and strategies to best fit the needs of the local community. Using grant funds and partnering with Idaho's colleges and universities, the state will also begin a marketing campaign to help parents and students understand how education can benefit them as an individual as well as their community.

For more information on the GEAR UP Idaho program, go to http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/GEAR_UP/index.asp

The following constituents support Scott McLeod for District 8 Senate: Chuck Cuddy, Orofino Claud and Elvita Judd, Weippe Don and Cammie Ebert, Weippe, Chairman Orofino School Board Marguerite McLaughlin, Orofino Neal and Jeannie Johnson, Orofino Jim and Shirley Finke, Orofino Pat and Carolyn Manfull, Orofino Larry and Christine Coontz, Orofino Roy Clay, Orofino Mike and Sandy Clay, Orofino Jerry and Janis Nelsen, Orofino D. Clifford Anderson, Orofino Joe and Lee Eichert, Orofino Mick and Mary Anne McLaughlin, Orofino Don and Irma Tacke, Cottonwood Phil and Rhonda Schmidt, Cottonwood Delores Bowman, Cottonwood Bill and Mona Farmer, Cottonwood Jim Rehder, Cottonwood Mike and Lu Crea, Cottonwood Wilfred and Theresa Wemhoff, Cottonwood Doug and Karen Lustig, Cottonwood Rudy and Joanne Swanson, Craigmont Roger and Sandy Riggers, Craigmont Mike and Loretta Stevens, Craigmont Dave and Sherry Moore, Craigmont Stan and Betty Riggers, Craigmont Tom and Sandy Zenner, Craigmont Greg Bailey, Grangeville Rich and Becky Workman, Grangeville Bev and Kraig Schlottman, Grangeville Mary and Jim Schmidt, Grangeville Roger and Janice Inghram, Grangeville Jim and Sharon Jeffery, Grangeville Joe and Michelle Tosten, Grangeville Shelley Rolvink, Grangeville Arge Jeffery, Grangeville Shelley Dumas, Grangeville Jennifer and Dick Artley, Grangeville Michelle and Michael Perdue, Grangeville Marvin and Jackie Forsmann, Grangeville David and Bobbi Bodine, Jr., Grangeville, Chairman School Board Andrea and Don Solberg, Grangeville Mark Vanderwall, Grangeville Bill and Ruth Bird, Greer Dick and Karen Adams, Harpster JuLee Harper, Kamiah, Chairman, School Board Paul and Valerie Schlader, Kamiah Andrea and Phil Foster, Kamiah Joe Harding, Kamiah Greg and Donna Johnson, Kamiah Don and Bobbi Simmons, Kamiah Doug Flaming, Kamiah Larry and Sheryl Nims, Kamiah Steve and Mary Higgins, Kamiah Ivan and Judy McHone, Kooskia Mike and Marie Smith, Lowell Mary Ann High, Kooskia John Richardson, Kooskia Bill Baldus, Nezperce Jim Zenner, Nezperce Dave and Cathy Mosman, Nezperce Steve and Cathe Bateman, Nezperce Bob and Kathy Branson, Nezperce Bob and Kathy Harris, Nezperce Roy and Tammy Baldus, Nezperce Pat and Patty Barnett, Nezperce Jerry and Marie Elven, Nezperce Michael and Jeannie Wasko, Nezperce R.L. Dick Reid, Nezperce Joe and Jane Leitch, Nezperce Terry and Arlene Perrine, Nezperce David Riggers, Nezperce Scott and Melodee Riggers, Nezperce Rick and Lynette Schlader, Nezperce Ken Hart, Nezperce, Chairman, School Board Tom and Jacky Mosman, Nezperce Dave and Janice Baldus, Nezperce Don and LaMoyne McLeod, Nezperce Laurine Nightingale, Reubens Joyce and Larry Barnard, Riggins Let us use some COMMON SENSE and keep our Idaho a unique and wonderful place to live. scottmcleod@earthlink.net Paid for by McLeod for Senate, Joe Leitch, Treasurer.