Willa Maynard of the Claflin University Gaining Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs program is one of five recipients of the 2009 GEAR UP Parent Leadership Award. The award was recently presented at the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships Annual Conference in San Francisco, Calif.

The awards were presented to parents who have demonstrated significant commitment and leadership in their local GEAR UP initiative and school community.

Claflin University GEAR UP is a school/college consortium project serving more than 2,500 students in the middle and high schools of Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five.

Maynard has been involved with Claflin University GEAR UP since 1999 as chair of the Parent Advisory Council.

"She is one of the strongest, most vocal and active advocates for Claflin University GEAR UP," said Wilda Robinson, director of the Claflin University GEAR UP Program. "She is a steadfast community organizer who ensures that parents have access to the information they need to support their GEAR UP children.

"Mrs. Maynard does what it takes to reach parents, including making phone calls and home visits, as well as reaching out to community organizations and places of worship to gain access to local families."

Through her efforts, attendance at Claflin's GEAR UP Parent Seminars has increased by 60 percent. Maynard says she does not support GEAR UP just because of the positive impact it has had in the lives of her two daughters, but rather because of what it does for all children.

"I believe that parents need to move beyond just being involved in their children's education to become change agents in their lives," Maynard said.

The College Board, a not-for-profit membership association, established this award program as part of its on-going commitment to equity and access for all students. GEAR UP is a partnership between the federal government, schools, colleges, businesses and communities designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

"Willa Maynard's strong advocacy and leadership is undergirded by research which establishes that parent engagement has a positive impact on students' academic achievement, behavior in school, and attitudes about school and work," Robinson said. "Willa Maynard talks the talk and walks the walk in advocating for Claflin University GEAR UP and for youth in general.

"She is truly deserving of this award."

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