The Arizona GEAR UP team proudly represented our state at the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP National Conference in San Francisco, bringing our expertise and the voices of our alumni to the national stage. This year, we were joined by two outstanding alumni: Lizeth Carreon, a graduate of Amphitheater High School now attending Arizona State University, and Lilliana Minor, a graduate of Coronado High School also attending ASU. Their perspectives brought depth and authenticity to… Read more
The 2025 Lumberjack Leadership Summit took place from June 2 to June 5, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona, on the Northern Arizona University Mountain Campus. More than 200 students and staff made the trip up north to participate.
For four days and three nights, students experienced life as a college student. They lived in dorms, ate in the dining hall, and took part in sessions and activities that explored college life and future careers.
Students were divided into… Read more
Metro Tech High School is proving that with the right leadership, intentional programming, and a culture rooted in support, students can soar. This year, Metro Tech earned statewide recognition for its outstanding improvement in FAFSA completion, ranking second in the large school category.
At the center of this momentum is Lindsay Holbrook, a dedicated school counselor and instructional leader who has worked tirelessly to create a strong postsecondary-going culture on campus.… Read more
Lesly Aponte Pineda
Youngker High School (Class of 2023)
Construction Management and Technology, Arizona State University
From a high school student in Buckeye, Arizona, to a driven college junior with big aspirations in the construction industry, Lesly Aponte Pineda has proven what’s possible with hard work and determination.
Lesly first connected with Arizona GEAR UP during her junior year of high school, when she began exploring attending college. “They were very helpful,” she… Read more
Across Arizona, our 5E high schools have been creating impactful, student-centered experiences that break barriers and open doors to opportunity. From multilingual workshops to STEM exploration and surprise student reunions, these schools are making sure every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success.
Youngker High School – Spanish College Workshop
Youngker High School kicked off the spring with a thoughtful workshop delivered entirely in… Read more
