Toppenish School District

At TSD, we believe access to resources to help students transition from high school to college is crucial. Our federally funded Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs or GEAR UP program is designed to help low-income high school students get the tools and resources they need to pursue their education after high school. 

GEAR UP works with groups of students in grades 11 and 12, or freshman year of college to set them up for success through tutoring, mentoring, college preparatory workshops, school visits, and more. The GEAR UP support system fosters a culture of learning and ambition, where students find just the help they need, as seen first-hand in the experiences of THS class of 2024 students Lilianah DeLeon and Daniel Cueva.

“GEAR UP has been a valuable resource throughout my high school experience, but it has helped me the most my senior year, “says DeLeon. “They have been able to help me write essays for my college admissions and for scholarships. It was always a personalized experience where I had one-on-one help with whatever work I needed help with. They always have workshops for students needing more help. They also have helped me keep my grades in check and help support me through it while also making sure to check up on me daily.”

Cueva shares, “I reach out to the GEAR UP team whenever I need help for an essay or homework assignment. They also host activities that teach us to grow and prepare for our life after high school. I always have a great time there. GEAR UP has played a big role in my life … because of them I now have a four-year plan of what I want to do and how to do it.”

Looking for resources to help you continue your education after high school? Reach out to GEAR UP academic advisor Alejandra Gonzalez at alegonzalez@toppenish.wednet.edu or 509-865-8288. Or, if you’re working on FAFSA or WASFA applications see our workshop schedule for details on joining an upcoming workshop.

Upcoming FAFSA/WASFA Workshops:

• January 10, 7:30 am – 7:00 pm at the THS Cafeteria
• January 13, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the THS Cafeteria
• January 23, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm at the College & Career Center