Education

Arizona’s FAFSA Progress: A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Posted by Hector Ponce on March 18, 2025

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

Familiar Face in a New Place

Posted by Hector Ponce on November 7, 2024

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

National GEAR UP Week 2024 Recap

Posted by Hector Ponce on September 27, 2024

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

Celebrating National GEAR UP Week 2024

Posted by Hector Ponce on September 20, 2024

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 Earns Arizona FAFSA Challenge Award

Posted by Hector Ponce on June 17, 2024

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

Recapping the 2024 Lumberjack Leadership Summit

Posted by Hector Ponce on June 13, 2024

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.  – This June, Northern Arizona University geared up to host the 3rd annual Lumberjack Leadership Summit. The yearly gathering invites students from GEAR UP Schools across Arizona to participate in a summit focused on exploration, leadership, and collaboration.

The Lumberjack Leadership Summit is a free-of-cost summer program designed to help students learn valuable life skills and explore future postsecondary possibilities. This year, the summit was open to rising 10th and 11th graders.

Arriving to… Read more

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