Katawna Crittenden serves a GEAR UP for the FUTURE Student Specialist. In this role, she supports the Bridging the Gap outreach initiative to identify and support recent high school graduates who have not yet enrolled in college. She works with students and families to build connections to the resources and support needed to take the next step towards their college journey.

She previously worked with the GEAR UP O+K=C team as a College Coach in Oklahoma City Public Schools. In this role, she followed the Check & Connect Student Engagement Intervention Model in mentoring students who needed additional support to help them achieve consistent school attendance and academic success.

Katawna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in juveniles, from Prairie View A&M University, as well as a Master of Education degree, specializing in Urban Education, from Langston University.