Media Relations/Promotional/Marketing Support
- Request media coverage and media relations support by filling out this News Release Request form.
Some examples of when to use the News Release Request form include the following:
- GEAR UP SWV school/county is hosting an event/workshop and wants local reporters/media to attend.
- A GEAR UP SWV school/student/county has an exciting success story relevant to project goals such as FAFSA completion rates, etc.
- A GEAR UP SWV student/school/county reaches an exciting milestone.
- A GEAR UP SWV school/county is looking to engage parent/guardians to actively participation in an event.
2. Create your own news release by using the GEAR UP SWV News Release Template. Communications Manager is happy to assist with edits and distribution to media outlets. Simply type up the details in the template, and submit via the News Release Request form or email gearup@concord.edu.
3. Request an update to the GEAR UP SWV website, conocord.edu/gearup, by filling out the Website Update Request form.
Some examples of when to use the Website Update Request form include the following:
- GEAR UP SWV school/county is planning a yearly program for students and you want to share FAQs about the program.
- Contact information to organizations that provide resources to GEAR UP SWV students and families in your region.
- Yearly professional development opportunities for GEAR UP SWV teachers.
4. Share images of your GEAR UP SWV event on central social media.
Always make sure students have permission to be photographed before you share images by:
- Sending an email gearup@concord.edu to request the link to share images directly to a folder on One Drive.
- Or you check with GEAR UP SWV central office Local Coordinators to request the direct link.
- Share images via messenger on Facebook – GEAR UP SWV.
Always provide date, location, and description of the image. This can be done via Facebook messenger, an email to your Central Office LC or to garup@concord.edu Some examples of when to share images include:
- GEAR UP SWV students/school/county attends a college for a visit
- GEAR UP SWV students/school/county hosts a program/event without media coverage
Images could be used on the following sites:
5. Request information from your school to be shared in the upcoming What’s Up in GEAR UP SWV Newsletter by fill out this Newsletter Request Form.
Some examples of information that Local Coordinators or District Liaisons should submit include:
- GEAR UP SWV student profile submission
- Introduction to GEAR UP SWV student leaders
- GEAR UP SWV student essay to reflect on GEAR UP SWV event(s)
- Outstanding LC achievement
- Sharing a momentous achievement
- Invitation for other schools to attend an event
- Call for help/assistant/collaboration with an upcoming GEAR UP SWV project
- Outstanding student achievement due in part to GEAR UP SWV work
6. Download a 2023 National GEAR UP Week Toolkit to engage raise awareness about GEAR UP and GEAR UP SWV!
The kit includes:
- GEAR UP SWV communication summary statements
- Summary of National GEAR UP Week
- Ways to get involved on social media including a list of GEAR UP SWV sites, hashtags, national themed days, and more
- Media release template
- Photo Opportunity flyer
- Blank thank you card to send to congress
