Arizona GEAR UP alumni represented Arizona at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP National Conference in Washington, D.C., this July, sharing their experiences and highlighting the lasting impact of GEAR UP beyond high school graduation.
Arizona GEAR UP Senior Marketing Content Creator Hector Ponce was joined by five GEAR UP Alumni Club (GUAC) members: Lizeth Carreon (Arizona State University), Lilliana Minor (Arizona State University), Amber Mendes (Estrella Mountain Community College), Valeria Hernandez Jacobo (University of Pennsylvania), and Luna Sebastian-Isaac (University of Pennsylvania).
Together, they presented “Keeping the Connection: Supporting Students Beyond Graduation with GEAR UP,” a session focused on the development of GUAC and how the club continues to support students as they pursue their postsecondary goals.
The alumni were at the center of the presentation, sharing their experiences as GEAR UP students and discussing the important role their GEAR UP Coaches played in their educational journeys. Their stories also highlighted why they chose to stay connected to GEAR UP and give back to the community that supported them.
In addition to presenting, the students connected with GEAR UP professionals, educators, and alumni from across the country. The conference provided valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning from fellow participants and presenters.
The GEAR UP Alumni Club was established in 2024 to continue supporting Arizona GEAR UP graduates after high school. GUAC is open to GEAR UP alumni across Arizona and provides virtual and in-person events, networking opportunities, scholarships, professional development, and a supportive community for students pursuing a four-year university, community college, workforce, or other postsecondary pathways.
Through their participation at the national conference, Arizona GEAR UP alumni demonstrated that the impact of GEAR UP does not end at graduation. The connections, support, and experiences built through the program continue to shape students as they pursue their goals and find ways to give back. You can join the GEAR UP Alumni Club here.