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
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
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