GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal program focused on expanding access to higher education for students from rural communities. Sul Ross State University is the grant holder for Project ReACH (Realizing and Achieving Collegiate Heights), an initiative that serves students across West Texas.
Headquartered in Alpine, TX, Project ReACH serves 16 schools, supporting students from middle school through high school graduation and a summer college bridge program. Through academic support, college and career readiness, financial aid guidance, mentoring, and family engagement, Project ReACH works to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
GEAR UP – Project ReACH empowers students and families in rural West Texas communities by expanding access to academic support, college and career preparation, financial literacy, mentoring, and meaningful educational opportunities. Through personalized and culturally responsive services, we help students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to graduate from high school and successfully pursue postsecondary education and future careers.
• Increase Academic Success – Provide tutoring, academic advising, mentoring, and targeted support that strengthen student achievement and high school completion.
• Build College & Career Readiness – Prepare students to explore colleges, careers, and pathways that align with their interests and goals.
• Expand Postsecondary Access – Increase students’ understanding of college admissions, applications, financial aid, scholarships, and other resources needed to continue their education after high school.
• Strengthen Financial Literacy – Help students and families understand financial aid, scholarships, college costs, and financial planning.
• Engage & Empower Families – Provide parents and families with information and resources so they can actively support students in their educational journey.
• Connect Students to Experiences – Provide college visits, cultural and educational trips, career exploration, workshops, and other experiences that increase students’ understanding of future possibilities.
GEAR UP – Project ReACH provides comprehensive services and resources designed to support student achievement, college and career readiness, and family engagement.
• College & Career Readiness – Workshops covering college exploration, admissions and applications, test preparation, career planning, and postsecondary opportunities.
• Tutoring & Academic Support – Academic support in core subject areas, including math, science, reading, and writing, in partnership with participating school districts.
• Mini & Summer Camps – Engaging educational experiences focused on STEM, leadership development, career exploration, and college readiness.
• Educator Professional Development – Professional development opportunities for teachers, counselors, and administrators to strengthen strategies that support student achievement and postsecondary readiness.
• Parent & Family Engagement – Workshops and resources that provide parents and families with the knowledge and tools to support their students’ academic and postsecondary goals.
• Financial Aid & Literacy – Guidance on FAFSA completion, scholarships, college costs, financial aid, and planning for postsecondary education.
• Community Service & Engagement – Opportunities that encourage students to develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and build meaningful connections.
• Student Success Resources – Educational equipment, supplies, and resources including calculators, backpacks, and other academic materials to help participating schools remove barriers and support student success.
Our Staff
| Monica Saenz Director of GEAR UP – Project ReACH Project Coordinator – Fort Stockton, Van Horn msaenz@sulross.edu |
Laura Sotelo Associate Project Director Project Coordinator – Fabens, Fort Hancock, Sierra Blanca, Tornillo laura.sotelo@sulross.edu |
| Rachael Chavarria Assistant Project Director Project Coordinator – Alpine, Fort Davis, Marathon, Marfa, Terlingua rachael.chavarria@sulross.edu |
Jasmine Vargas Project Coordinator – Clint ISD: Horizon MS, East Montana MS jasmine.vargas@sulross.edu |
| Cecil Yanez Project Coordinator – Clint ISD: Ricardo Estrada MS, Clint Jr. HS cyanez3@sulross.edu |
Claudia Sailler Administrator & Data Tracking Specialist claudia.sailler@sulross.edu |
CONTACT US
GEAR UP – Project ReACH
MAB 104 C-73
432.837.8024