Don’t Disrupt What Works for Arizona’s Students and Workforce

Arizona GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) has been instrumental in fostering educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds for the past 25 years. This initiative not only helps students complete high school but also prepares them for further education and training.

However, the recent federal budget proposal to eliminate GEAR UP and TRIO raises significant concerns. Critics argue that the assertion these programs are outdated is misleading. Barriers to education persist in Arizona, highlighting the continuing need for GEAR UP’s vital services. Supporting access to education remains more critical than ever for many students.

The state grapples with an educational attainment crisis. Performance metrics, such as eighth-grade math scores, high school graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment numbers, fall short of the benchmarks established by Arizona Achieve60AZ. The workforce’s future heavily relies on education beyond high school, with projections indicating that by 2031, over two-thirds of jobs in Arizona will demand such qualifications.

Since its inception in 2000, GEAR UP has supported over 61,000 students across 121 schools in 41 communities. The program offers personalized, long-term assistance from seventh grade through the first year of college, emphasizing collaboration between school districts, community colleges, universities, and civic leaders.

Northern Arizona University has played a pivotal role in securing four consecutive state GEAR UP grants, amounting to $91 million in federal funds and local contributions totaling more than $182 million. These resources bolster student services and systemic support, driving positive educational outcomes.

Evidence demonstrates GEAR UP’s effectiveness: graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates among participants consistently surpass state averages. Notably, nine out of ten students from high-poverty schools graduated on time or early, with a significant rise in financial aid applications. Engagement from parents in support activities has also been commendable.

The program’s success stems from robust partnerships that dismantle barriers and elevate opportunities for historically underserved students. Today, GEAR UP adapts its offerings to address evolving student needs, providing vital resources such as academic advising, career exploration, scholarship support, tutoring, and enrichment programs.

Moreover, GEAR UP enhances educational leadership through professional development, fostering sustainability in its initiatives. The program stands out as a student-centered model, achieving tangible results in advancing high school graduation and postsecondary success rates.

GEAR UP has garnered bipartisan support, underlining its status as a critical investment in Arizona’s workforce development. As the business community emphasizes the importance of nurturing skilled talent, the program remains crucial in shaping future career pathways and fostering a robust economy.

With a legacy of success built on strategic investment in education, Arizona must safeguard GEAR UP as a model for early intervention and accountability. Collaborations between education, civic, and business leaders are essential now more than ever to reinforce backing for programs that genuinely work.

In conclusion, abandoning GEAR UP is not an option. It remains a vital pathway to educational opportunity and economic stability.

Teena Olszewski, senior vice president of Education Forward Arizona, previously led Arizona GEAR UP from 2002 to 2020. Daniel L. Kain, former dean at Northern Arizona University, was principal investigator for GEAR UP until his retirement in 2021.