RICHMOND, Va. — More than 120 teachers, administrators, and staff from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia gathered at The Westin Richmond on September 18 to hear from Tanea Doswell, a Prince Edward County Middle School counselor and alumna of the GEAR UP Virginia program.
Doswell, a 2020 graduate of Randolph-Henry High School in Charlotte County, became involved with GEAR UP Virginia in the seventh grade and remained active in the program through her high school graduation. After enrolling at Longwood University, she continued her involvement as a GEAR UP Ambassador, supporting other first-generation GEAR UP Virginia students on campus.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2023 and her master’s degree in Counselor Education, with a concentration in School Counseling, in 2024—both from Longwood University. Today, Doswell serves as a dedicated school counselor at Prince Edward County Middle School, where she supports students’ academic progress, social-emotional development, and exploration of college and career pathways. She also remains engaged with GEAR UP Longwood, helping middle school students build confidence, develop resilience, and prepare for success beyond the classroom.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded college access initiative designed to increase the number of first-generation students who are prepared to enter and succeed in college, community college, or technical training programs. GEAR UP Virginia and GEAR UP Longwood continue to play a critical role in expanding educational opportunities and strengthening postsecondary readiness for students across the Commonwealth.