For this three-day conference, high school students explore important areas that help them develop their leadership abilities. They discover more about who they are and create a vision of what it means to them to be college-ready and career bound. The students listen to inspiring speakers, participate in a college fair, attend self-development workshops, and think about what steps they might take to accomplish their vision. They are challenged to go outside their comfort zone, meet new people, try something new, make new friends, and have fun learning.

Middle school girls explore four essential areas that help magnify their potential future in the STEM field and help them to prepare to be college-ready and career bound. The students participate in a college fair and engage in different STEM demonstrations. Through engaging workshops provided by STEM Santa Fe, the students experience hands-on learning with other middle school girls to pique their interest in the opportunities STEM provides.

The Pathways to Success Conference is designed for Indigenous high school students and their families, with a primary focus on preparing for college and career pursuits. Guided by Indigenous thought leaders, this conference offers culturally relevant resources that support Indigenous students in visualizing an empowered post-high school journey. Attendees, including both students and their families, engage in a vibrant college and career fair that showcases Native employers and university programs.

While all students at our schools can participate in GEAR UP New Mexico activities, Student CEOs (College Engagement Organizers) take the next step in involvement. With participation in the GUNM Leadership Clubs, CEOs volunteer in planning GUNM activities at their school with the purpose of improving school culture and serving the community.

Across the country, thousands of GEAR UP students, parents, educators and program partners celebrate GEAR UP’s successes and further promote college and career readiness. Within our partner schools, program coordinators organize pep rallies, college and career fairs, and many other fun activities as they continue to highlight the programs available to their students.