About

A high school diploma and a college degree are all within your reach. Set realistic goals today and achieve your dreams tomorrow. We’ll show you how.

The mission of GEAR UP is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

GEAR UP is designed to enable more young Americans to stay in school, study hard and take the right courses to succeed in college. The aim is to help communities create new or expanded school programs and provide educational opportunities for students.

Additionally, GEAR UP prompts local schools, community-based organizations, private industry and institutions of higher education to work in partnerships to help students, and their parents, gain needed knowledge and bolster academic programs in their schools.

The UNLV GEAR UP program is funded 100% by grants (P334A210069 and P334A210066) from the U.S. Department of Education at a total cost of $30,415,700.

More Information About The GEAR UP Program

GEAR UP Resources

Eligibility

Target Schools

All students grades 9-11 attending CAEO's target high schools.

High Schools
  • Canyon Springs
  • Chaparral
  • Desert Pines
  • Valley
  • Western
  • West Prep

Services

For Students

  • Academic and financial counseling
  • Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
  • Tutoring, after-school instruction, and preparation of college-entrance exams
  • Assistance with completing college admission and financial aid applications
  • Mentoring programs, career exploration, and leadership development
  • Information on postsecondary education opportunities
  • College tours
  • College preparation and summer enrichment programs
  • Parent/family involvement and activities
  • Credit retrieval
  • Workshops (financial literacy, study skills, SAT/ACT Prep, etc.)

For Parents

Parental Workshops:
  • Identifying scholarship and financial aid opportunities
  • Promoting student achievement
  • Supporting transition from high school to college
  • Encouraging parental involvement
Resources for parents who may have academic barriers:
  • GED (General Equivalency Diploma) preparation
  • College admission

How Do I Apply?

If you are a student at any of the seven participating schools, contact your GEAR UP school coordinator or advisor to obtain more information about GEAR UP.

Helpful Links

GEAR UP Contact Information

 
Name Title Phone Number Email
Lorena Guzman Interim Director for GEAR UP 702-774-4121 lorena.guzman@unlv.edu
Damaris Yanez Muro Public Service Intern 702-774-4113 damaris.yanezmuro@unlv.edu
Jackie Lester Assistant Director for GEAR UP 702-774-4135 jacklyn.lester@unlv.edu
Sandy Kijanka Assistant Director for GEAR UP 702-774-4187 sandy.kijanka@unlv.edu
Tasha Williams Assistant Director for GEAR UP 702-774-1118 natasha.williams@unlv.edu
Veronica Garcia Assistant Director for GEAR UP 702-774-4218 veronica.garcia@unlv.edu
Oscar Gallegos-Tapia GEAR UP Coordinator for Desert Pines 725-290-1718 oscar.gallegos-tapia@unlv.edu
Erika Barrera GEAR UP Coordinator for Desert Pines 702-793-0417 erika.barrera@unlv.edu
Karen Bauer GEAR UP Coordinator for Chaparral HS 725-339-0226 karen.bauer@unlv.edu
Rachel Wallace GEAR UP Coordinator for Canyon Springs HS 702-712-1216 rachel.wallace@unlv.edu
Amber Armenta GEAR UP Coordinator for Western HS 725-254-8103 amber.armenta@unlv.edu
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Simon GEAR UP Coordinator for West Prep 725-587-7215 elizabeth.simon@unlv.edu