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About Us
"Winning Justifies Preparation"

– Wayne Nicolette, CEO of Gear Up Maryland

Gear Up Maryland was created to inspire young people to succeed in the workplace as well as in their communities. By combining a unique heuristic (hands on) approach with innovative STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math) learning concepts, the foundation’s teaching approach encourage resourcefulness, imagination, critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving. The curriculum, instruction, and practices are driven by core values that are instilled in Maryland’s future thinkers, innovators, creators, and leaders. Gear Up impacts elementary, middle, and high school students through a series of workshops called, “Finding Solutions to Real World Problems – Together,” and internship programs. The founder and CEO Wayne Nicolette is passionate about empowering young people to realize their dreams, as he did through 30 years of award winning Formula Ford race car driving and his work as CEO of Xibitz.

Our Mission

Developing mechanical and team building skills to support workforce development in Maryland.

Our Vision

To provide young people the opportunity to realize their dreams through quality programs that will enable them to lead successful careers.

The Gear Up Leadership Team

Wayne Nicolette founder and Executive Director created Gear Up Maryland in order to enable young people to turn their passion…

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Debbie Nicolette

Debbie Nicolette is the accounting manager of Xibitz and the wife of Wayne Nicolette, Founder of Xibitz and Gear Up.  She has been working…

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Alan Knezevich, a former Smithsonian Institution Museum Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, has over twenty-five years…

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Project Director

During College, I found a passion for creating and marketing events. At 28 I traveled around the world for a year collecting ideas…

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Project Director

I am a passionate educator. For over 20 years I have had the pleasure of teaching children in grades K thru 6th. Throughout my career…

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Curriculum and Instruction Specialist

Clay is the owner of R.A.C.Engines, a restoration, repair and formula car preparation shop in Laurel Maryland. Many of his mechanical…

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Automotive and Mechanic Specialist
Kim Battista

Kimberly Battista has been a freelance medical and scientific illustrator for 25+ years. She is excited to engage her experience creating illustrations…

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Chris is passionate about enabling Maryland students through access of education, makerspaces, vocational training, and technology…

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Board Member