Arizona GEAR UP

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:

Future with Freeport 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...

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

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/

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/

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

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.

The 2026–2027 FAFSA is officially open! Amphitheater High School’s GEAR UP Team launched FAFSA season with an energizing FAFSA Night, guiding students and families through the application process and helping them take an important step toward college success.

Alumni Spotlight: Lilliana Minor

From navigating uncertainty to becoming a leader, Lilliana Minor’s journey is a story of determination and growth. A 2024 graduate of Coronado High School, she is now a sophomore at Arizona State University studying Tourism Development, Hotel and Resorts Management.

With support from GEAR UP and the Next Generation Service Corps, Lilli embraced new challenges, found confidence, and turned obstacles into opportunities. Today, as Vice President of the GEAR UP Alumni Club, she continues to inspire others—showing how belief in yourself, guidance, and community support can open doors to success.
https://in.nau.edu/gear-up/arizona-gear-up-alumni-feature-lilliana-minor/

Alumni Spotlight: Lizeth Carreon

Amphitheater High School, Class of 2023 ➡️ Now a junior at Arizona State University studying Business Data Analytics!

From late-night study sessions to leading student organizations, Lizeth is all about hard work, gratitude, and giving back. As President of the GEAR UP Alumni Club, she’s creating community, supporting her peers, and turning challenges into opportunities.

Her journey shows how passion and perseverance can open doors and inspire others along the way. https://in.nau.edu/gear-up/arizona-gear-up-alumni-spotlight-lizeth-carreon/

Happy National GEAR UP Week! This week, we’re shining a spotlight on students across the country and celebrating their hard work, resilience, and progress toward college and career success. GEAR UP helps open doors, provide support, and create opportunities so students can chase their dreams and reach their goals.