October 31, 2018

Name: Dee Ragsdale
School: Central Curry School District: Gold Beach High School and Riley Creek School
Position: GEAR UP Coordinator
College Alma Mater: Humboldt State University, Arcata, California
One fun fact about you: I love to dance, and fish!!!!

Because of GEAR UP, students are actively engaging at an early age to be curious, dream and plan for their future careers and lives.

Describe an aspect of your educational journey. I chose a university that was the furthest away from where I grew up, in both climate and culture. I grew up in the Mojave Desert and Humboldt State University was the exact opposite!! My French teacher in high school inspired me to go beyond high school to further my education. I am retired from a professional career in Environmental Protection at the Washington State Department of Ecology where I managed the Rules and Economic Analysis for the agency, as well as managing federal and state grants and agency accountability. My goal as a retiree was to volunteer in a school environment and see where it led me!!!

Share one way that GEAR UP has made a difference in your school or community. GEAR UP has directly helped students ask what they want to do after high school and inspires them to reach their goals. College visits have had a direct impact on furthering their confidence that college is not out of reach for low income students.