MISSION, TEXAS (May 22, 2025) – Mission CISD announces that Angel Romero, a 7th-grade student from Kenneth White Jr. High and a participant in the UTRGV GEAR UP program, has been selected to represent the district at a national event. He will attend the prestigious National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA, from July 13-16, 2025.
According to the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, this national conference brings together professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP programs and the students they serve. The program includes over 120 concurrent sessions focused on enhancing the impact on middle and high school students, their families, K–16 faculty and administrators, student services, college access professionals, program evaluators, family engagement coordinators, business and community partners, and education policymakers. Sessions will feature expert panels, research presentations, practical workshops, and insights into promising GEAR UP practices.
Romero was selected through an application process that included a questionnaire open to all 7th-grade students at K. White Junior High School. Accompanying him at the conference will be Nelda Ramirez, the UTRGV GEAR UP Coordinator/Strategist at K. White Junior High School and his guardian. All expenses for Angel Romero and his guardian will be covered by UTRGV GEAR UP.
Angel Romero expressed his excitement about this upcoming opportunity to represent Mission CISD and K. White Junior High.
“I love learning new things, it helps me realize that I can do many and chose what I like best,” said Romero. “GEAR UP has been giving me an opportunity to realize I can be whoever I want, and Ms. N. Ramirez has opened my eyes and ears with her guidance and hall talks.”
Nelda Ramirez, UTRGV GEAR UP Coordinator/Strategist at K. White Junior High School, expressed her pride in Angel's accomplishment and highlighted the significance of the opportunity.
"It’s always entertaining to see a student’s face and to see their reaction when they understand the information that we delivered," said Ramirez. "It is an incredible honor for K. White Junior High School and Mission CISD. We are very proud of him!"
The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference serves as a national platform for sharing ideas, strategies, and tools to better support GEAR UP students through inspiring plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive presentations. Mission CISD is proud to have Angel Romero represent the district and wishes him great success at the conference.
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