Stronger Together

Nationwide, GEAR UP programs follow either a cohort or priority model. In previous grant cycles, Arizona GEAR UP implemented a cohort model, which means students were identified in middle school, and services continued through the first year of college. Currently, Arizona GEAR UP provides services based on a priority model, which serves all students in 9 – 12^th grade in our partner schools to increase graduation rates, work with middle-grade students as they transition to high school, and support high school students as they transition to postsecondary education. As a result, this plan prioritizes the immediate needs of the state. Additionally, our priority model provides the opportunity for our community partners to hone their services to meet the needs of our students.

Our goal of increasing postsecondary attainment aligns with statewide Achieve60AZ objectives.  As part of this, we target 41 under-served high schools across the state and help high school seniors put postsecondary plans into action.  With help from the Helios Education Foundation, every senior in these schools receive a Senior Launch Guide, which provides how-to guidance to achieve real-world success in college. Each year, 15,000 high school seniors receive dedicated college and career support thanks to Arizona GEAR UP.

In addition, Arizona GEAR UP expanded services to five high schools and the middle schools that feed into them with our 5E’s Partnerships.

Schools We Serve