Arizona GEAR UP is excited to welcome Jennifer Hernandez as the newest member of our team! Jennifer joins us as the Academic Program Coordinator, where she will be working with our 5E High Schools to support students on their journey to postsecondary education.
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in college access and youth development. Before stepping into this role, she worked with College Depot since February 2023, and has spent the past five years deeply engaged… Read more
View the entire letter here.
Arizona has made remarkable progress in FAFSA completion, marking a significant step in expanding college access for students statewide. A recent announcement highlights that nearly 30,000 high school seniors have already completed their 2025-26 FAFSA, pushing the state’s completion rate to 26.3%—a dramatic improvement from 18% in April 2024. This growth places Arizona second in the nation for year-over-year FAFSA completion gains, showcasing the dedication of educators and… Read more
Rebecca McIlvaine is bringing her passion for student success to her new role as a GEAR UP coach at Buckeye Union High School in Buckeye, Arizona. After working behind the scenes in the state office, she’s excited to reconnect with what she loves—helping students and families prepare for college.
“I missed working with kids,” McIlvaine shares. “Being back around them makes me so happy.”
With a strong background in education, Rebecca is ready to make an impact at one of 5E’s… Read more
Another Successful National GEAR UP Week in the Grand Canyon State!
National GEAR UP Week is a time to celebrate GEAR UP students’ accomplishments and recognize GEAR UP programs’ positive impact on communities nationwide. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs marked the occasion by proclaiming September 23-27, 2024, as Arizona GEAR UP Week.
At our 5E’s of Equity High Schools, multiple celebrations took place. At Amphitheater High School in Tucson, students enjoyed lunch events… Read more
National GEAR UP Week is a time to celebrate the achievements of GEAR UP students and raise awareness of GEAR UP programs nationwide. In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed September 23-27 as Arizona GEAR UP Week.
National GEAR UP Week is a nationwide celebration that brings together students, parents, educators, and college access professionals to highlight the success of GEAR UP programs. It’s a time to raise awareness in communities about the… Read more
Piñon High School has been honored with the Arizona FAFSA Challenge Award for the Most Improved FAFSA completion rate, celebrating a remarkable 19% increase from the previous year. This significant achievement was recognized by the Arizona Board of Regents, who awarded the school three laptops to gift to students who completed the FAFSA.
Kyle Sandoval, a school counselor at Piñon High School, played a pivotal role in this success during his… Read more
