# data[].attributes.body
*This FREE Certification Opportunity is Determined Upon Qualification*

# data[].attributes.headline
Virtual Opportunity-New Institute Date: September 22nd-24th

# data[].attributes.subject
Virtual Opportunity-New Institute Date: September 22nd-24th

# data[].attributes.body
🎓💜 Our final GEAR UP Connection Newsletter is here!

After eight incredible years of supporting, guiding, and celebrating our students and families, we proudly share this special final edition. Explore helpful resources, upcoming opportunities, and a heartfelt message honoring our unforgettable GEAR UP journey.

Although this chapter is ending, your journey is only beginning. Keep dreaming, keep growing, and keep reaching for your goals!

Once GEAR UP, always GEAR UP! 💜💚

# data[].attributes.body
💻 Need a laptop? We've got you covered!

GEAR UP Class of 2024 graduates can check out a laptop or use one at the Region One Adult Center in McAllen for:

🎓 College & FAFSA applications
📚 Online courses and certifications
📄 Resume building
💼 Job applications

Valid ID required for laptop checkout.

📞 956-213-6852
📧 monhernandez@esc1.net

# data[].attributes.body
D.O.L. (Department of Labor) grant opportunity for eligible students who are interested in starting school but have not yet enrolled or begun classes. First priority is for Edinburg students, but that the opportunity is open to all Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy individuals.

The grant may provide tuition assistance, along with up to $1,000 in support services for those who qualify. Applicants must currently be unemployed, and CDL programs are not included at this time.

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we would like to connect with potential students as soon as possible. As individuals approach your school interested in enrolling, would your team be able to refer eligible students to us so we can immediately reach out and determine their eligibility?

Please contact me to begin the interest process or have them scan the QR code on the D.O.L. Flyer on the attachment to help students take advantage of this opportunity while funding is available. Feel free to have them reach out to me at 956-328-3869. If necessary, I can walk the student though the interest form process it takes less than 2-3 minutes to complete.

With Thanks,

Cassie W. Luevano

Cassandra “Cassie” Wolfe-Luevano

Community Liaison

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
2101 S. 2nd St. :: MCALLEN, TX 78503

Work Cell: (956)-328-3869

# data[].attributes.body
This month's newsletter highlights exciting opportunities, student success stories, and important reminders as we prepare to close out an incredible eight-year GEAR UP journey with the Class of 2024.

Inside this edition, you'll find:

📅 Details about our Class Reunion & Resources Event on September 22.

🎉 Highlights from the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference and Youth Leadership Summit.

🎓 Information for alumni on why it's never too late to go to college.

📝 Upcoming TSIA Testing & Tutorial opportunities.

🌟 A Student Spotlight celebrating students gaining valuable career training and industry certifications.

📱 Helpful college, career, and community resources available through GEAR UP.

Be sure to read through the newsletter, scan the QR codes for additional resources, and stay connected as we celebrate our students and prepare for our final GEAR UP events & share with other fellow GEAR UP Class of 2024 classmates! Thank you for being part of the GEAR UP family—Once GEAR UP, Always GEAR UP! 💜💛

# data[].attributes.body
🌞Hello Summer! Check out our July Newsletter! We still have a lot of amazing opportunities! Give us a call! One of our College Ready staff can help⭐

# data[].attributes.body
Summer is the perfect time to take the next step toward your future and GEAR UP College Ready is here to support you every step of the way! Whether you're exploring career certifications, searching for scholarships, completing the FAFSA, looking for employment opportunities, or planning your next educational goal, our team remains committed to helping students and alumni throughout the summer months. Stay connected through our Padlet for the latest resources, certification opportunities, success stories, and upcoming events. No matter where you are on your college or career journey, GEAR UP College Ready is here to help you stay motivated, build new skills, and keep moving toward your goals. Your future doesn't take a summer break—and neither do we! 🌞🎓✨

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Supporting our GEAR UP College Ready with the right tools! 

# data[].attributes.body
Serving our GEARUP students with needed tools.  When parents and educators work alongside student success is inevitable. Monica Trevino from our Call Center identified him as needing support.  This is Juventino Zapata and from Zapata H.S. Thank you, Mr. Raul Ruiz for the delivery!🚗

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
⭐Remote Pilot Training & Certification @TAMUK

# data[].attributes.body
GEAR UP Ready Alumni, Hannah Cortez, from San Benito High School for participating in the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Training & Certification partnership with Texas A&M Kingsville! This in-person portion of the program provided hands-on and applied learning that reinforced virtual instruction in Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) and safety best practices for final preparation for the FAA Part 107 certification exam. She has also completed the STC accounting and administrative assistant online certifications while she was living in North Carolina for a short period of time. We are proud of her perseverance.

# data[].attributes.body
Fill out the form at the link below to see if you qualify for short-term education, on-the-job training, or work experience opportunities!
wfsolutions.org/trf

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
📰Extra! 📰Extra! Read all about the amazing opportunities & success that has been happening with GEAR UP College Ready 💜

# data[].attributes.body
*This FREE Certification Opportunity is Determined Upon Qualification*

# data[].attributes.body
📢We are happy to share our very first GEAR UP Connection Newsletter!💜

# data[].attributes.body
*This Opportunity is not offered through GEAR UP*

# data[].attributes.headline
Student Spotlight: Anthony Treviño-STC Tech Mechanic

# data[].attributes.subject
Student Spotlight: Anthony Treviño-STC Tech Mechanic

# data[].attributes.body
Anthony Treviño, graduate from Roma HS Class of 2024, received some tools at our Region One Adult Ed Center in McAllen to continue his mechanic courses at South Texas College. Through a collaborative effort from our GEAR UP call center advisor Monica Treviño and the GEAR UP office, Anthony was able to receive all these materials.These materials that GEAR UP provided will continue helping him be successful in his academic journey.

# data[].attributes.body
GEAR UP Alum, Osvel Perez, stopped by our bew Mobile Lab in Zapata Community Center to get great information about our current certification options and resources for college!Thank you for stopping by!

# data[].attributes.headline
Student Spotlight: Jesus Urbina-San Benito Class of 2024 Alum-TSTC Lineman

# data[].attributes.subject
Student Spotlight: Jesus Urbina-San Benito Class of 2024 Alum-TSTC Lineman

# data[].attributes.body
Jesus Urbina, San Benito graduate from Class of 2024, received some tools to continue his elecrical lineworker courses at Texas State Technical College. Jesus started his Associates in Applied Science last year and will be graduating this August. These materials that GEAR UP provided will continue helping him be successful in his academic journey.

# data[].attributes.headline
Student Spotlight: Jeremy Salazar-Donna North Class of 2024 Alum-STC Welding

# data[].attributes.subject
Student Spotlight: Jeremy Salazar-Donna North Class of 2024 Alum-STC Welding

# data[].attributes.body
Jeremy Salazar, Donna North graduate from Class of 2024, received some welding materials for his courses at South Texas College. Jeremy started his welding Associates in the Fall 2025 and will be graduating this year. He received some tools from GEAR UP that will continue helping him be successful in his journey.

# data[].attributes.headline
GEAR UP Class of 2024 Reunion: September 22nd!

# data[].attributes.subject
GEAR UP Class of 2024 Reunion: September 22nd!

# data[].attributes.body
🎓 Class of 2024 Alumni—We Want to See You! 🎓

Once GEAR UP, always GEAR UP! Join us for the GEAR UP Class Reunion & Resources Event and get connected with valuable college, career, and community resources designed to support your next steps.

📅 September 22
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Region One ESC Edinburg – Cameron Room

✨ Resources Available:

✔️ Apply Texas Assistance
✔️ FAFSA Support
✔️ TSI Resources
✔️ Professional Headshots
✔️ College Representatives
✔️ Workforce Solutions
✔️ Adult Education Programs
✔️ Mental Health Resources
✔️ Hidalgo County Health Department
✔️ South Texas Literacy Coalition
✔️ Interactive Makerspace

🎁 Plus, enjoy a Supply Drive, Coffee & Soda Bar while supplies last!

Reconnect with fellow alumni, explore opportunities, and get the support you need to reach your goals. Scan the QR code on the flyer and sign up today!

# data[].attributes.headline
TSIA Testing Opportunity: September 25,2026

# data[].attributes.subject
TSIA Testing Opportunity: September 25,2026

# data[].attributes.body
Participants Will take:

Either Mathematics or English TSIA Exam

Course Date: September 25,2026

Tutorials& Testing : 9:00am- 4:00pm

Location: Pharr Memorial Library

121 E Cherokee Ave

Pharr,Tx 7857

Details: Only Math Tutoring will be available in the morning

However, you can test either Math or English in the afternoon

Register here: https://forms.gle/4LhusEJoyyDxXU8N8

Contact : Monica Hernandez, Education Specialist at monhernandez@esc1.net

# data[].attributes.body
Still exploring possibilities? GEAR UP is still here to help. GEAR UP Year 8 will continue providing services to you up until September 30th, 2026.If you are still looking to go to college and/or are looking for career opportunities, please look at what we have to offer!!

# data[].attributes.body
If you need help filling out a college or FAFSA application please reach out to one of the specialists below:

Lyndsay Cano-(956)-213-6815 or email lycano@esc1.net

Monica Hernandez -(956)213-6852 or email monhernandez@esc1.net

Sonia Dempsey-(956)213-6814 or email sdempsey@esc1.net

# data[].attributes.body
If you are interested in the education field this certification might be great for you! The Educational Aide I course will help ou learn all the duties and a Teacher Assistant/Aide as well as teach you all the different aspects that entail a school classroom.

START DATE :August 22-September 26, 2026

Time: Saturdays, 8am-2pm

Location: STC Pecan Campus

Register Here: https://forms.gle/pKH6mp8hr3dPkNTz9

For any questions please call 956-213-6852 and as for Monica Hernandez or email monhernandez@esc1.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
GEAR UP Students : Center left( Israel Reverte), center middle (Gael Sanchez) , center right ( Julian Cabrera)

# data[].attributes.body
GEAR UP College Ready, Career Set is happy to announce that we had 3 GEAR UP Class of 2024 Alumni, Israel Reverte (Juarez-Lincoln), Gael Sanchez (Mercedes Early College), and Julian Cabrera (Mercedes Early College) start the HVAC Technician Assistant program at South Texas College-Technology Campuus on January 29th! This as part of our ongoing efforts to help students find their college or career path in Year 8 of the grant, through our certification opportunities!

# data[].attributes.body
Are youready to step into the exciting world of healthcare? Explore fast-track certification programs designed to launch your career in months — not years!

Reach out for more information!

📩 hsir@dhr-rgv.com

📞(956)362-3243

📍101 Paseo Del Prado

Edinburg,Tx 78539

Need tuition assistance? There are opportunities through Workforce Solutions or HCCSA, just ask.

GEAR UP contact: Monica Hernandez at monhernandez@esc1.net or call 956-213-6852 for more information.

# data[].attributes.body
📍 Pick-Up Location:4305 N McColl RdMcAllen, TX 78504—or—We can mail supplies to you!

📝 Available Supplies (while supplies last):

Notebooks

Bluebooks

Pens & Pencils

Highlighters + Erasers…and more! Just ask!

📢We also have Ti-Nspire calculators available ( Limited Quantity)

Fill out this form if you want supplies mailed to you: https://forms.gle/6xP8AumuAgUP1y5P8

⏰ Hours: Monday – Friday | 8 AM – 4:30 PM📞 Call 1-800-259-7151 for more information

# data[].attributes.body
🍎 Ready to make a difference in students' lives?

Take the first step toward becoming a substitute teacher with the Substitute Teacher Certification Academy!

Learn at your own pace through interactive ProSub modules and participate in a live virtual workshop designed to prepare you for classroom success.

🎓 15 CPE Hours
💻 Virtual Format
💲 $99 Fee Covered by GEAR UP*
📅 Multiple August sessions available

Seats fill quickly, so register today!

📞 956-213-6852
📧 monhernandez@esc1.net

*Attendance requirements apply.