Arizona GEAR UP

08/12/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our Assistant Director, Andrea González Sotelo, who was named one of two recipients of the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Professional Leader of the Year Award.

Andrea has dedicated her career to supporting students and families and expanding opportunities across Arizona. We’re grateful to have her on our team and for the leadership, care, and commitment she brings to Arizona GEAR UP every day.

Congratulations, Andrea! We’re so proud of you and this well-deserved recognition.

READ MORE: https://in.nau.edu/gear-up/arizona-gear-ups-andrea-gonzalez-sotelo-receives-national-professional-leader-of-the-year-award/

07/29/2026

Applications are now open for the GEAR UP Alumni Association (GUAA) Persistence Scholarship!

If you're a GEAR UP graduate who has completed at least one year of college, you could receive a $500 scholarship to help continue your educational journey.

Last year, two Arizona GEAR UP alumni were selected for this award. This could be your year!

Application deadline: August 15

Apply today:

Award: $500 to 25 GEAR UP alumni nationwide. Funds may be used for books, tuition, housing, food, and related educational costs. Eligibility: Graduated from a GEAR UP high school and completed at least one year of college. Deadline: Friday, August 15, 2026, 11:59 PM. Your letter of recommendation mu...

07/27/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Andrea González Sotelo, our 2026 Professional Leader of the Year! As Assistant Director of Arizona GEAR UP , she’s spent nearly a decade expanding college access for underserved students statewide. A first-gen grad herself, Andrea brings passion, purpose, and a bicultural perspective to everything she does.

02/24/2026

Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan are partnering to offer Guarantee Your Future with Freeport, a scholarship and career pathway that prepares students for high-demand skilled trades. Participants can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and industry certificates while receiving support for tuition, books, supplies, and hands-on training, along with a paid internship and potential job placement after completion.

Application deadline is March 15, 2026.

Learn more and apply:

Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan are looking for adventurous individuals who are eager to start a skilled trade program for a new career and to explore possibilities you never knew existed in the mining industry. The scholarship covers an Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certifi...

01/28/2026

Join the Arizona State University GEAR UP Alumni Club on January 30th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Paul C. Helmick Center, Room 401, Tempe, Arizona, for an evening of games, connection, and fun. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and all students are welcome, whether you are a Sun Devil or not!
Please RSVP here: https://qualtrics.nau.edu/jfe/form/SV_1LWRBJfoXshJ82i

01/23/2026

We’re excited to announce that the GEAR UP Alumni Club is officially on LinkedIn! This new space allows the GEAR UP community to stay connected beyond campus. Everyone in GEAR UP is welcome to join and engage by exploring career and leadership opportunities, alumni spotlights, networking events, and helpful resources. Members are encouraged to share updates, achievements, opportunities, and to offer advice and mentorship to support one another’s success.

Join and grow your network today:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/17482036/

01/09/2026

Alumni Spotlight: From Youngker High School to Georgia, Hailee Padgett (Class of 2022) is building her future in dental hygiene. A first-gen student, she credits GEAR UP for helping her explore college, complete FAFSA, and feel confident in her path. https://in.nau.edu/gear-up/gear-up-alumni-highlight-hailee-padgett/

12/08/2025

High school seniors can earn up to four FREE Valley Suns tickets by completing the 2026–27 FAFSA and submitting the Ticket Request Form. After verification, students will receive instructions on choosing their tickets! Arizona Board of Regents College Ready AZ
https://asu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Umk70x1b2CjouG

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

We are honored to have received the 2025 North Star Award at An InspirED Evening, hosted by Education Forward Arizona

The North Star Award recognizes organizations that provide steady, values-driven leadership in advancing education and equity across Arizona.

For 25 years, Arizona GEAR UP has helped students prepare for college and career success through partnership, community, and opportunity.

Dr. Ramona Mellott, Dean of the College of Education at Northern Arizona University, accepted the award.

Thank you to our partners, educators, and families for helping us light the path toward a brighter future for Arizona students.