“I am the product growing up in a rural community
with dedicated people helping me find the right path for me.
I want to create the same opportunities others provided me.”
-Graci Zeiger

(574) 222-5809

Projects

This guide was crafted for elementary professionals to have plug and play college and readiness interventions. It includes lesson plans, event planning, and school environment suggestions. The lesson plans are aligned with state required Individualized Career and Academic Plans and District Career and Academic Plans.

content creation, project management, curriculum development, cross sector collaboration

During GEAR UP Iowa 2.0 we saw 2.5 percentage points of growth in FAFSA completition rates, despite the pandemic, in 2020. This guide was crafted to assist other schools in increasing thier rates as well. It includes an overview of FAFSA rates in Iowa, equity issues, suggested events, how to troubleshoot, and an array of resources schools can use.

content creation, project management, curriculum development, cross sector collaboration

To ensure our schools have the key skills needed we host a series of professional development opportunities. Yearly, this includes 2 conferences and monthly virtual trainings. Topics include: grant compliance, student and family engagement, entrance exams, getting buy-in, and many more.

event planning, professional development, public speaking, facilitations, community outreach

These four student facing documents guide students through the steps needed to complete the postsecondary path of thier choice. They include a detailed outline of steps to follow, resources to assist them, and places to document important information. In addition, staff were trained to engage and support students with the documents.

content creation, project management, curriculum development, cross sector collaboration

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropolopy
Central College | Pella, Iowa
2010

CERTIFICATES

Leadership Capacity Building Development Certificate
State of Iowa- Performance Development Solutions
2023

College Access Equity Badge
Iowa College & Career Readiness Academy
2023

Talent Development Certificate
State of Iowa- Performance Development Solutions
2022

College Access Specialist Certificate
Iowa College & Career Readiness Academy
2021

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
University of South Florida Muma College of Business
2021

College Access Professional
Iowa College & Career Readiness Academy
2020

Experience

Education Program Manager
IPERS
2024-Present

GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator
Iowa Department of Education
2019-2024

Domestic Violence Advocate
Children and Families of Iowa
2015-2019

Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Multicultural Services
Saint Mary’s College
2012-2014

Summer Activities Director
Upward Bound
2012

Administrative Assistant of Intercultural Life
Central College
2011-2012

Administrative Assistant
Upward Bound
2005-2010