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 of Equity High Schools that she has worked closely with for years. She’s focused on improving communication between families and schools and helping students overcome barriers to higher education, especially financial challenges. One of her key goals is boosting scholarship applications.
“Scholarships are crucial to making college feel possible,” she says, eager to help more students see that college is within reach.
Rebecca’s first weeks have had their share of technical challenges, but her excitement for the role hasn’t wavered. “The students have been so welcoming,” she says, and she’s quickly learned how to adapt and stay organized in the fast-paced school environment. Her experience working behind the scenes gives her the edge in managing everything on the ground.
As Rebecca settles in, she’s already looking toward the future. She’s excited about upcoming initiatives like FAFSA workshops and scholarship work periods for seniors. “I want to make sure students and families feel supported every step of the way,” she says, her optimism clear. With her dedication and fresh perspective, she’s set to make a lasting difference.