Building a Support Crew

2025 GEAR UP Teacher Talking with Students

Building Your College Team

A good way to start planning for college is to build a college team—of trusted adults who support your drive to go to college and will help you pursue that goal. It’s like having a safety net: whenever things don’t go as planned, your support system will be there to pick you up. The easiest way to create a support network is to simply be involved at school. Participate in extracurriculars and show interest in an activity or subject you're passionate about.

Who are the adults in your life that can help?

  • Your parent or guardian, whether or not they went to college
  • Other family members
  • Teachers, coaches, school counselors, or community members like spiritual leaders or neighbors
  • Your GEAR UP Coordinator

A strong support network is often made up of teachers, mentors, and like-minded students. They should be happy to help you on the path to college.

It’s natural to feel nervous about talking to adults about your plans for the future. Here’s how to get started:

  • Write down the two or three most important things you want to say
2025.7 GEAR UP SLA Student at Computer
  • Write a letter or send an email. Some people find it easier to put their thoughts into a words, give it to the adult to read first then, talk about it later.
  • Be direct. Say, “There’s something I’d like to talk to you about. It’s about college.”
  • Ice breakers:
    • Would you be willing to help me figure out what I’m good at and could possibly study at college?
    • For teachers and others who have gone to college:
      “I know you went to college. Would you tell me about that?”
    • For family members who have never gone to college:
      “No one in our family has gone to college, but I’m thinking about it. Would you help me get some information?” 

  • Plan a time that’s convenient to meet with your adult team members. Choose a time and place when they will be less busy and more able to focus on you.
  • If you are asking a teacher, you may want to stop by before class begins. Or, ask your coach to talk after practice.
  • You may want to ask to set up an appointment for some time in the near future. 

  • Meet with your team often.
  • Ask questions about their career or college experiences.
  • Share information about the college you have found.
  • Ask them to look at a college website with you.

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