– 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.