GEAR UP New Mexico

Earlier this month, GEAR UP New Mexico staff met with Xcalibur to discuss to mid-year data benchmarks, diving deep into last semester’s data, identifying successes and pinpointing areas for improvement. . This retreat is crucial as we continue to grow and serve our students and communities. By analyzing past data, we ensure our programs evolve, providing even better support for our GEAR UP students. . . . #GEARUPNewMexico #XcaliburEvaluation #DataDrivenSuccess #StudentSupport #ContinuousImprovement #GEARUPworks

🌟 Guided by Tradition: The Tewa Dancers' Sacred Gift to GEAR UP 🌿 We wrapped up the GEAR UP West Conference in the most inspiring way, as the Tewa Dancers from the North brought their sacred traditions to life, showcasing the deep cultural roots of New Mexico. With every powerful step, they honored the leadership and tireless dedication of those uplifting students and communities. Their dances embodied the beauty of unity and shared purpose. The closing friendship dance was an electrifying moment, inviting everyone to join the circle—a symbol of connection, gratitude, and the shared journey we all embrace. #GEARUPWest #TewaDancers #UnityThroughCulture #CulturalRoots #FriendshipDance #CommunityConnection #CulturalHeritage #GEARUPFamily #InspiringTraditions #TogetherWeRise

🎉 GEAR UP West 2024 Professional of the Year: Eloisa Sanchez! 🎉 We are excited to announce that Eloisa Sanchez, GEAR UP New Mexico Program Coordinator at Capital High School in Santa Fe, was named the 2024 GEAR UP West Professional of the Year! Eloisa’s unwavering dedication to the GEAR UP mission and her students at Capital High School is nothing short of inspiring. Through her tireless efforts, Eloisa has created innovative programs and provided invaluable support to ensure her students are college and career ready. She has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for underserved students, empowering them to dream big and achieve their academic and career goals. The highlight of the ceremony was seeing Eloisa celebrated by her students who joined her on stage to show their admiration and gratitude. Their heartfelt applause and cheers were a testament to the profound impact Eloisa has had on their lives and their community. Congratulations, Eloisa, on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for your exemplary leadership, commitment, and passion for creating equitable access to higher education opportunities. You are the embodiment of what it means to be a GEAR UP Champion. 🌟 #GEARUPWest2024 #ProfessionalOfTheYear #CollegeAndCareerReady #GEARUPNewMexico #MakingADifference #GEARUPWorks

🎶 ReVóZo: The Heartbeat of the GEAR UP West Reception! 🎶 . The GEAR UP West reception was a celebration to remember, brought to life by the mesmerizing sounds and rhythms of ReVóZo. Their stunning fusion of Flamenco puro, Rumba Flamenca, and influences from Cuban Son, Reggae, Cumbia, and Funk created an electrifying atmosphere, highlighted by the commanding voice of renowned vocalist Vincente Griego. . Paired with incredible food and a spirit of connection, the reception brought people together to celebrate the traditions and flavors of New Mexico. . Thank you to ReVóZo for showcasing the energy and beauty of New Mexico’s culture and leaving us inspired and united through music and dance! . . . #GEARUPWest #ReVóZo #FlamencoFusion #NewMexicoCulture #CelebrationThroughMusic

🌟 Inspiration in Action: Joaquin Zihuatanejo at GEAR UP West! 🌟 . What an incredible honor to have Joaquin Zihuatanejo as a keynote speaker at GEAR UP West! His powerful story moved us all—rising above adversity, becoming the first college-educated person in his family, and proving that dreams can be bigger than circumstances. . Joaquin shared how teachers who truly cared about their students sparked his resilience and helped him achieve greatness—not only as an educator himself but also as a world-class slam poet, even winning a prestigious competition in Paris! . His message? Resiliency, gratitude, and the power of giving back. Teachers, YOU are the architects of transformation, and Joaquin's journey is proof of how lives are changed forever because of the impact you make. . Thank you, Joaquin, for reminding us why we do what we do. Let’s all take his message to heart and keep uplifting the next generation! 🌟🌎

💫 Reflecting on the Success of GEAR UP West! 💫 . This year’s conference was filled with inspiring workshops that provided practical tools and innovative strategies for educators, families, and students. Attendees explored ways to build strong GEAR UP partnerships in sessions like “Recipe for Success." They also discovered how college bus tours foster self-efficacy and help students envision their futures. . Workshops such as “Virtual APPrenticeships” showcased creative approaches to connect students with real-world opportunities, while “Dollars for Scholars” provided actionable insights into financial aid literacy. Attendees also gained valuable strategies to cultivate thriving GEAR UP programs in “Cultivating Success” and learned how to effectively showcase their program’s impact in “Telling Your Program’s Most Powerful Story.” . 💫 Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. Together, we’re creating pathways for brighter futures!💫 . . . #GEARUPWest #EducationMatters #StudentSuccess #GEARUPWorks

✨ A Heartfelt Thank You to G Precious for Inspiring at GEAR UP West! ✨ . We were honored to welcome G Precious (Brenda M. Atencio) as our opening keynote speaker at this year’s GEAR UP West conference. Her story of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her art, community, and youth left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. . From her powerful keynote, in which she shared her journey through challenges, healing, and triumph, to her dynamic workshops—"Music as Medicine: Creative Writing and Dance" and "Empowering Native Voices: Insights and Strategies for Educational Success"—G Precious brought light, hope, and actionable inspiration to the educators and program coordinators who are shaping the future of our students. . Her unique ability to weave together Indigenous traditions and contemporary music forms, as showcased through her live performances, reminded us all of the power of authenticity and the importance of amplifying Native voices. . Thank you, G Precious, for being a beacon of strength and creativity and for showing GEAR UP West participants that with determination and positivity, dreams truly can come true. Your music and message will continue to inspire those who work tirelessly to support our youth. . ✨Here’s to celebrating your incredible work and the impact you have on communities far and wide.✨ . . . #GEARUPWest #Resilience #EmpoweringNativeVoices #MusicAsMedicine #GEARUPWorks

A huge thank you to our amazing keynote sponsors—Xcalibur, Student Success Agency, CoolSpeak, and FOCUS Training —for making the GEAR UP West Conference unforgettable! . Your generous support brought us four incredible speakers who inspired us with insights on future tech in education, resilience and cultural strength, youth entrepreneurship, and the power of spoken word. . Thanks to you, our educators left feeling energized and ready to spark inspiration in their students. We’re so grateful for your commitment to GEAR UP’s mission! . . . #GEARUPNewMexico #GEARUPWestConference #GEARUPworks #NewMexicoEducation #GEARUPsMission

At this year's GEAR UP West Conference, exhibitors provided invaluable support to our community, offering resources such as college and career access programs, scholarships, bus tours, study skills training, ACT support, and tutoring services. . Their dedication empowers students and families by equipping them with essential tools for academic and personal success. We deeply appreciate their participation and commitment to fostering opportunities that strengthen the GEAR UP community. . Thank you for contributing to the success of this year’s event! . . . #GEARUPWest #GEARUPNewMexico #CollegeBoundCareerReady #AcademicSuccess #GEARUPWorks

🚀 GEAR UP West Pre-Conference Session Highlight: Be Pro Be Proud New Mexico 🚀 . At the GEAR UP West pre-conference session, participants explored the impactful history of Be Pro Be Proud. Led by Luis Villa (New Mexico Workforce Solutions) and Rob Leming (New Mexico Chamber of Commerce), the session highlighted how this program is revitalizing interest in skilled trades through innovative virtual and augmented reality experiences for New Mexico middle and high school students. . Attendees had the unique opportunity to tour the Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop bus and engage with immersive simulations that demonstrate technical career paths and apprenticeship opportunities. This hands-on experience showcased how the initiative is addressing the urgent need for new skilled professionals as over 23% of the workforce approaches retirement, inspiring the next generation to pursue rewarding careers. . . . #GEARUPWest2024 #GEARUPNM #GearUpWorks #NMWorkforce #NMTrades #BeProBeProud #CareerBound