Education

Arizona GEAR UP Alumni Take the National Stage

Posted by Hector Ponce on August 11, 2026

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… Read more

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Maleah Davis

Posted by Hector Ponce on February 11, 2026

Name:

Maleah Davis

High School:

Youngker High School (Class of 2025)

Postsecondary Plan:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, studying Aerospace Engineering

Journey:

From Buckeye, Arizona, to building rockets in Prescott, Maleah Davis is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity, preparation, and opportunity collide.

A 2025 graduate of Youngker High School, Maleah is now a first-year aerospace engineering student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. She is pursuing a future in the aerospace industry with dreams of contributing to organizations like NASA, SpaceX, Honeywell, or Raytheon and eventually… Read more

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Hailee Padgett

Posted by Hector Ponce on January 9, 2026

Hailee Padgett, a 2022 graduate of Youngker High School, is continuing her education while building a life far from home. Now living in Georgia, Hailee is enrolled in a dental hygiene program, working toward her associate degree and preparing for a career in healthcare. Along the way, relocating to different states helped her build independence, adaptability, and a clear sense of direction for her future.

During high school, GEAR UP played an important role in helping Hailee explore her postsecondary… Read more

Arizona GEAR UP Honored With 2025 North Star Award

Posted by Hector Ponce on November 20, 2025

We are grateful to share that Arizona GEAR UP was honored as the 2025 North Star Award recipient from Education Forward Arizona.

The North Star Award recognizes organizations that provide steady, values-driven leadership in Arizona’s education landscape. It celebrates programs that serve as a trusted compass, guiding the way toward a more effective education system.… Read more

Arizona GEAR UP Alumni Feature: Lilliana Minor

Posted by Hector Ponce on September 24, 2025

Name:

Lilliana Minor

High School:

Coronado High School (Class of 2024)

Postsecondary Plan:

Arizona State University, studying Tourism Development, Hotel and Resorts Management

Journey:

There was a time when Lilliana Minor wasn’t sure if college was the right path for her. Financial concerns and family responsibilities made the prospect of higher education feel overwhelming. But with a positive and driven mindset, alongside the encouragement of mentors and the support of her community, Lilli discovered ways to navigate challenges and create her own path as she enters… Read more

Alumna destacada: Lizeth Carreon

Posted by Hector Ponce on September 23, 2025

To read in English, click here.

Nombre:

Lizeth Carreon

Escuela preparatoria:

Amphitheater High School (Generación 2023)

Planes después de la prepa:

Estudiar Análisis de Datos Empresariales (Business Data Analytics) en la Universidad Estatal de Arizona (ASU)

Historia:

Desde reuniones de clubes y eventos estudiantiles a largas sesiones de estudio nocturnas, Lizeth Carreón tiene una agenda muy apretada en la Universidad Estatal de Arizona. Como estudiante de tercer año de Análisis de Datos Empresariales, ella desempeña varias funciones: líder estudiantil, organizadora de clubes, becaria y mentora de… Read more

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    15451 N. 28th Ave., Suite 216
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