Increase Student and Family Knowledge About Preparing for Postsecondary Success

GEAR UP NEW MEXICO

GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

NEW MEXICO HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

MINIMUM STANDARDS SERVICE DELIVERY: NEWSLETTERS/PUBLIC RELATIONS

PURPOSE

The monthly newsletter prepared by GEAR UP New Mexico (GUNM) state staff is a communication tool provided to students, school staff, parents, and partners of the GUNM program. Information in the newsletters is designed to:  Increase student and family knowledge about preparing for postsecondary success  Serve as an outreach mechanism to keep GUNM’s positive news stories in the media  Highlight student and program successes  Inform the GEAR UP community about upcoming events and opportunities

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The frequency, format, and topics covered must be consistent, valuable and relevant to the readers, especially to GUNM students as they make plans for their career and college choices. Every GUNM school district is unique and it is the responsibility of the program coordinators to provide newsletter story ideas, photos and pertinent information to the GUNM newsletter Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator.

I. FREQUENCY AND DISTRIBUTION A. Newsletters are published once a month from September through May. B. One summer edition is published in July or August. C. Newsletters are sent to program coordinators and GUNM staff via Constant Contact email. D. Program Coordinators can print copies of the newsletter to distribute hard copies to students and parents as needed.

D:\Docs\2017-07-20\0fc88db65622b4bb08b6be228b5cb078.docx Modified by fr on 8/21/14 9:03 AM Page 1 of 2 II. NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION PROCESS A. Program Coordinators must: 1. Submit a GUNM Student of the Month once during the school year on their assigned date (see Newsletter Schedule Form). 2. Contact PR/Community Outreach Coordinator at least three weeks before scheduled submission month in order to discuss story and photo of student. 3. Notify the PR/Community Outreach Coordinator on events that are taking place within the school district. B. Other story ideas are always welcome (e.g., highlights regarding academic successes of your program, school or students, scholarships and awards). Students are welcome to submit articles pertaining to GUNM, College Readiness or other topics related to their education.

III. NEWSLETTER CONTENT A. Newsletters are created, designed and edited by GUNM state staff. Each issue of the newsletter should include articles related to: 1. Financial Literacy / Financial Aid / Scholarships 2. College Planning tips 3. Student success strategies 4. Parental involvement / support 5. Upcoming GEAR UP events and important dates 6. Highlights of a recent GEAR UP event or success 7. A specific major, career area or Institution of Higher Education, or combination thereof. 8. Any timely topics related to college and career readiness at the school, local or national levels. B. If the PR/Outreach Coordinator is unable to attend an important event, the GUNM Program Coordinator should submit a summary of the event and five photos to capture in the newsletter within 10 days of the event. Photos can be sent as jpg files and emailed to PR/Outreach coordinator.