More than 25 students from seven high schools participated in a college exploration initiative across New Mexico and Colorado. The event, known as the GEAR UP New Mexico Summer Tribal College Bus Tour, was a pioneering effort aimed at connecting students with admissions offices, degree programs, and campus life.
During the tour, students visited several institutions including the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Navajo Technical University, San Juan College, and Fort Lewis College. Over three days, they explored various postsecondary paths and attended workshops focusing on opportunities for indigenous students such as scholarships and student organizations.
Melissa Mendonca, GEAR UP New Mexico program coordinator at Albuquerque Talent Development Academy, commented on the tour's impact: "This college bus tour highlighted the unique offerings of each school, like a multi-million dollar fabrication lab at Navajo Technical University, opportunities to exhibit art in museums at the Institute of American Indian Arts, the tuition waiver for indigenous students at Ft. Lewis College, and stellar trades programs at San Juan College.” She added that many students expressed interest in attending these colleges due to their welcoming environments.
GEAR UP New Mexico operates under the New Mexico Higher Education Department. It is federally funded with a mission to enhance access to college and career readiness resources for students from grades seven through twelve. The program collaborates with middle and high schools in eight districts throughout New Mexico to support rural and first-generation students.
Aiden Quintana from Española Valley High School shared his insights: "The most valuable thing I learned is that lots of colleges are different and offer a variety of opportunities and they may not be for you but that doesn't mean that your feelings about it can't change." He emphasized the importance of such trips for gaining firsthand knowledge about different colleges.
For further details on GEAR UP New Mexico’s initiatives or updates, visit gearupnewmexico.org or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
