2023 Convening of Partners Recap

Thank you for joining us in Flagstaff, Arizona, for the Arizona GEAR UP 2023 Convening of Partners. Over two days, Arizona GEAR UP Partners from across the US and Canada gathered at the Northern Arizona University Campus to learn from one another and collaborate on future projects supporting Arizona’s students. Thank you all for your participation and support.

Night One

Night one of the Convening of Partners kicked off with Arizona GEAR UP Director Robert Neese and Assistant Director Andrea González Sotelo welcoming school and project partners to Flagstaff. Additionally, the night included a panel discussion on the Arizona GEAR UP Model in alignment with the Achieve60AZ Action Plan, which aims to boost educational attainment in Arizona.

The panel featured a diverse array of education organization leaders from across Arizona.

The panelists discussed their organizations’ contributions to educational goals and shared challenges and achievements. The panel then took questions from the audience, ranging from their outlook on the future of education in Arizona and sharing experiences in finding success supporting students.

Day Two

Day two of the convening started with an opening address from Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera, who showcased the institution’s significant contributions to advancing educational success in Arizona.

Following the President, Arizona GEAR UP’s Ramona Mellott, Robert Neese, and Andrea González Sotelo were joined by data partners ICF to update on the progress made by Arizona GEAR UP schools and partners in this grant cycle.

Next up was Keynote Speaker, Betty Paugh Ortiz, Vice President of Programs at the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships. Betty began the keynote by sharing her story of being a first-generation college student and moving alone to the United States from Puerto Rico. Betty’s story highlighted the importance of community and perseverance and how those two helped her in her college journey.

Also, during the convening, Arizona GEAR UP students were invited to NAU for a college visit in collaboration with Family Access, Communication, Transition, and Support (FACTS). Those students took a campus tour, participated in actual college classes, and presented at the convening of partners.

Multiple students went up on stage to close out the convening and shared their stories with the audience. The students talked about their lives growing up and their challenges and successes. Multiple students discussed how GEAR UP has impacted their lives and helped them create their futures. They credited their GEAR UP coaches and counselors who supported them along the way.

Concurrent Sessions Slides

During the convening, two concurrent breakout sessions were led by multiple GEAR UP project and school partners showcasing their work and how they can support one another. Check out the presentations below:

To help us improve the Convening of Partners, we ask for you to take a few minutes to give us your thoughts on the event.

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NAU North Valley
15451 N. 28th Ave., Suite 216
Phoenix, AZ 85053