On Friday, December 13th, Cal State Fullerton GEAR UP celebrated its 25th anniversary—not just as a program but also as a vital partner to the Anaheim Union High School District. To commemorate this milestone, Loara High School students who participated in GEAR UP were invited to attend a special event at Cal State Fullerton.

Before the bus arrived, the students practiced expressing their appreciation for the program and sharing their aspirations for the future. During the ride, they continued refining their thoughts, eager to share their journeys with district and university leaders. Alongside their peers from Katella and Anaheim High Schools, the students were well-prepared to showcase their experiences.

Upon arriving at the event, the students were warmly welcomed as they entered the Marriott venue. After posing for a group photo with Ms. Chung and Mr. Brown, they settled into their seats and mingled with other attendees. The event began with appetizers—a fresh salad drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette—while a video played, showcasing GEAR UP’s impact. The video included highlights from past field trips and workshops, celebrating years of meaningful engagement.

A standout moment of the event was the delicious lunch: salmon accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes. While student Kevin Gutierrez enjoyed the meal, he remarked, “It was good, but they should have added a menu next time.”

The luncheon was paired with inspiring keynote speeches. Speakers shared personal stories of growth through the GEAR UP program—some as former tutors who had advanced in their careers and others as long-time collaborators who had witnessed the program’s evolution. These heartfelt reflections underscored the program’s enduring legacy.

The celebration not only honored GEAR UP’s 25 years of service but also gave students a glimpse into the program’s far-reaching impact and a chance to envision their bright futures. Camila Perez shared, “The speeches that I listened to were inspiring and made me feel like I can be someone in life.” Fellow student Leslie Menchaca agreed, adding, “I saw multiple important people speak, and they were able to give us motivation.” Several of the speakers were alumni of the district, offering the students relatable role models to emulate.

One particularly special experience came for student Joanna Ngo, who had the opportunity to sit with the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and the president of Cal State Fullerton. Reflecting on the event, Joanna said, “My experience at the GEAR UP event widened my perspective and gave me insight into my career opportunities. It also allowed me to listen to the alumni and the people in charge. I just really learned a lot from them.”

Shoutout to all the students who attended the GEAR UP event and took steps toward broadening their horizons!

What Is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP is a federally funded program hosted by Cal State Fullerton that provides college and career readiness services to the Class of 2027. The program has supported these students since their 7th-grade year at Ball Junior High, helping them prepare for a successful future.