News

GEAR UP Guiding the Class of 2027

Helping Students Navigate Their College Journey

Aya Saleh, Co-Editor In Chief • October 21, 2025

Kaelyn Abas shows off her spirit as a GEAR UP ambassador.

At Sanger High School, there is a cohort-style program called GEAR UP. This program provides support for students that want to pursue and complete a college degree. Students can seek guidance through the help of advisors.

GEAR UP is a program that aims to increase the college and career readiness of low-income students in communities across the Central Valley. GEAR UP works closely with students to ensure a successful transition into their first year of college. Coral-Anne Spencer, the GEAR UP manager at Sanger High, said the goal is to help students who want to “pursue and complete a college degree.” GEAR UP provides support every step of the way so students can feel both comfortable and confident in their academic journeys.

The GEAR UP cohort-style program is incredibly successful, bringing students and advisors together to learn, connect, or get help in courses. GEAR UP keeps on inspiring students to continue and to persevere through school even when times are tough. GEAR UP provides support for those that are struggling in courses. Students can gain more knowledge that will help them with their future. GEAR UP continues to support the Class of 2027.

The GEAR UP program is “a unique… opportunity to see students blossom as individuals,” Coral-Anne Spencer said. The program has a variety of resources around campus for these students. GEAR UP provides both academic and fun resources. Academic resources include tutoring, coaches to help with colleges, and career tips. Other fun resources include field trips, lunchtime activities, and workshops. These resources are great ways to help students continue their education.

At Sanger High School specifically, it only provides support for the Class of 2027. GEAR UP is extremely helpful in many ways, offering different student activities and resources. Valeria Rosales, GEAR UP marketing leader, states that she “always feels supported,” especially when planning for her future.

National GEAR UP Week took place from September 22nd to 26th, 2025. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of activities, such as making slime, Pin the Tail, and career matching during lunch. Each day was focused on a different activity. Students were very grateful for the chance to be involved in these activities and win all sorts of prizes and treats. “I had so much fun participating in making slime,” said junior Jersey Reynoso.

“I find GEAR UP to be welcoming and a nonjudgmental environment,” said Jersey Reynoso. “GEAR UP is extremely underrated even though they put in all their effort to provide for the Class of 2027.”

Marketing leader Valeria Rosales, who is an ambassador for GEAR UP, added, “I love the GEAR UP community – I am honestly so grateful to be in the Class of 2027.”

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About the Contributor

Aya Saleh

Aya Saleh is a 16 year old junior attending Sanger High School. She was born in Clovis and raised in Sanger. She attended Reagan Elementary and Washington Academic Middle School. She is the youngest of six, three sisters and two brothers. She loves to babysit her nieces and nephews whenever she has time. Babysitting made her realize that she is passionate about working with children. Her dream is to teach kindergarten but says she would also teach math. In her spare time she enjoys baking and creating all kinds of treats. She also likes to hang out with family and friends. A mentor in her life that inspires her to persevere is her father. Her dad pushes her to keep on going especially when things get difficult. Aya is currently in her second year of Student Government and is in her first year of Journalism. She is looking forward to the 2025-2026 school year.