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 in the college access world. Her journey started at Arizona State University, where she worked for a few years before moving into community-based roles, always focusing on guiding students and families through the complex higher education landscape. Now, as she pursues her master’s degree in program evaluation and data analytics, Jennifer is eager to expand her expertise in the data-driven side of grants and program management.
What drew Jennifer to this position? Her passion for supporting first-generation students. As a first-generation college student herself, she understands the challenges and barriers that many students face when navigating higher education. Programs like GEAR UP played a significant role in her own journey, and she is dedicated to giving back by helping students access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Beyond her professional work, Jennifer is actively involved in her community. She volunteers with organizations that support youth development and marginalized communities, dedicating her time to programs that provide essential resources and services. Her passion for community engagement is a driving force in both her personal and professional life, and she is committed to making a meaningful impact wherever she can.
Originally from Phoenix, Jennifer has spent nearly her entire life in Arizona. Though she attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, earning a degree in Health and Human Sciences, she always knew she would return home. Her deep appreciation for Arizona has grown over the years, and she finds joy in the desert landscape, watching the sunrise, and hiking in her free time.
Jennifer’s enthusiasm for student success, combined with her experience in both direct service and data analysis, makes her a fantastic addition to the Arizona GEAR UP team. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our students and schools. Welcome, Jennifer!