Haywood County GEAR UP TN held a Parent Council Meeting on Thursday, January 14, in the Delta Room at Backyard Barbecue. Site Coordinator Jackie Whitten and parents discussed services that were provided for GEAR UP students and parents, the importance of parental involvement to student achievement, and building parent capacity for GEAR UP services and events. The GEAR UP Parent Council will work to empower parents with useful knowledge and information to help their children to be successful with their college and career goals and as a source for reaching out to other parents. Future meetings will include topics on financing a college education, searching for scholarships, college words to know, and transitioning from high school to college. GEAR UP parents are encouraged and welcome to become members of the Haywood County GEAR UP Tennessee Parent Council by calling 731-772-3690, Ext. 2300 for more information.