{"id":2030,"date":"2020-09-15T18:32:34","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T01:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/gear-up\/?page_id=2030"},"modified":"2023-02-13T16:04:08","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T23:04:08","slug":"gear-up-blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/gear-up\/news\/gear-up-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"GEAR UP Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Maleah Davis<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Hailee Padgett<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Arizona GEAR UP Honored With 2025 North Star Award<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ppPRodW61CA 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\u2019s education landscape. It celebrates programs that serve as a trusted compass, guiding the way toward a more effective education system. We are proud to be recognized for our work as a statewide initiative administered by Northern Arizona University. For twenty-five years, we have supported…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Welcome Minerva Maestas, Arizona GEAR UP\u2019s New Financial Oversight Manager<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n Arizona GEAR UP is excited to welcome Minerva \"Mini\" Maestas as our new Financial Oversight Manager! Mini was born in Mexico City and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Washington High School in Glendale, Arizona, and earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in Accountancy from Arizona State University. With 25 years of experience in public, private, and governmental accounting, she brings extensive knowledge to our team. Outside of her professional work, Mini is a proud mother of two. Her oldest is…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Arizona GEAR UP Alumni Feature: Lilliana Minor<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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\u2019t 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…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Alumna destacada: Lizeth Carreon<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n To read in English, click here. Nombre: Lizeth Carreon Escuela preparatoria: Amphitheater High School (Generaci\u00f3n 2023) Planes despu\u00e9s de la prepa: Estudiar An\u00e1lisis 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 Carre\u00f3n tiene una agenda muy apretada en la Universidad Estatal de Arizona. Como estudiante de tercer a\u00f1o de An\u00e1lisis de Datos Empresariales, ella desempe\u00f1a varias funciones: l\u00edder estudiantil, organizadora…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Arizona GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Lizeth Carreon<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n leer esto en espa\u00f1ol Name: Lizeth Carreon High School: Amphitheater High School (Class of 2023) Postsecondary Plan: Arizona State University, studying Business Data Analytics Journey: From club meetings and campus events to late-night study sessions, Lizeth Carreon has a full plate at Arizona State University. A junior majoring in business data analytics, she wears many hats\u2013student leader, club organizer, scholarship recipient, and mentor to peers. Yet despite her busy schedule, Lizeth radiates positivity and speaks with warmth and gratitude about…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n WANTED: Advisors for our GEAR UP Alumni Clubs at NAU, ASU and U of A<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n Arizona GEAR UP is launching the student-led GEAR UP Alumni Clubs at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona, and we need dedicated faculty and staff to help bring them to life. We have students ready to go with members and a constitution drawn up; all we need is YOU! These clubs will serve as vital networks for GEAR UP graduates, connecting them with peers, resources, and opportunities to thrive in college. As a faculty or…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Arizona GEAR UP Shines at the 2025 NCCEP\/GEAR UP National Conference<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n The Arizona GEAR UP team proudly represented our state at the 2025 NCCEP\/GEAR UP National Conference in San Francisco, bringing our expertise and the voices of our alumni to the national stage. This year, we were joined by two outstanding alumni: Lizeth Carreon, a graduate of Amphitheater High School now attending Arizona State University, and Lilliana Minor, a graduate of Coronado High School also attending ASU. Their perspectives brought depth and authenticity to our session, reminding everyone why the work…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n GALLERY: Recapping the 2025 Lumberjack Leadership Summit<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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 four teams: the…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n 2025 LLS Schedules<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n ANTELOPES 2025 Student Schedule LUMBERJACKS 2025 Student Schedule SUN DEVILS 2025 Student Schedule WILDCATS 2025 Student Schedule  \n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Metro Tech High School: FAFSA Success and Building a College-Going Culture That Transforms Futures<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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. Under her leadership, college and career readiness have become…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Alumni Spotlight: Lesly Aponte Pineda<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n Name: Lesly Aponte Pineda High School: Youngker High School (Class of 2023) Postsecondary Plan: Construction Management and Technology, Arizona State University Journey: From a high school student in Buckeye, Arizona, to a driven college junior with big aspirations in the construction industry, Lesly Aponte Pineda has proven what\u2019s possible with hard work and determination. Lesly first connected with Arizona GEAR UP during her junior year of high school, when she began exploring attending college. \u201cThey were very helpful,\u201d she recalled.…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n 5E High Schools Spotlight: Empowering Students Every Step of the Way<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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. February Highlight: Youngker High School \u2013 Spanish College WorkshopYoungker High School kicked off the spring with a thoughtful workshop delivered entirely in Spanish to support monolingual students and their families. The event focused on helping…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Introducing Jennifer Hernandez: Our Newest Academic Program Coordinator<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Arizona\u2019s FAFSA Progress: A Milestone Worth Celebrating<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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%\u2014a 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 community partners in making financial aid more…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n Familiar Face in a New Place<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

\n 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\u2019s excited to reconnect with what she loves\u2014helping 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…\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n\n
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\n National GEAR UP Week 2024 Recap<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n

\n \n Posted by Hector Ponce<\/a> on \n <\/span>\n

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