Gadsden Early College Program to Present Advanced Learning Model at National Association for Gifted Children Annual Convention
SAN LUIS, Ariz. — Gadsden Elementary School District No. 32’s Early College Program has once again been selected to present at the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Annual Convention, Nov. 5-8 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The convention brings together educators, researchers and professionals from across the country to share research and strategies for supporting gifted and high-potential students.
Gadsden’s presentation, “From the Borderlands to MIT: Building an Early College Pipeline for STEM Talent,” will highlight how the Early College Program identifies advanced learners in grades 4-8 and expands access to advanced mathematics, ACT preparation, college coursework and STEM-focused summer programs. Program Director Homero Chávez, Mentor Teacher Raúl Rojas and Mentor/Mathematics Teacher Jesús Arrizón will share how the program has created pathways for students from rural Arizona to pursue higher education at leading universities across the country.
“This presentation gives us the opportunity to show what is possible when students are identified early and challenged academically,” said Homero Chávez, Early College Program Director. “We want our students to develop the confidence, skills and academic foundation to pursue ambitious goals and see those goals as attainable.”
“Being selected to present on a national stage reflects the commitment of our students, teachers, staff, administrators, Governing Board and community,” said Lizette Esparza, District Superintendent. “We are proud to share how a program developed here in San Luis is creating opportunities for students and contributing to the national conversation about advanced learning.”
“This recognition is a proud moment for our district and community,” said Tadeo A. De La Hoya, Governing Board President. “The Early College Program is opening doors for our students and showing that the work happening at Gadsden can make an impact beyond our community.”
Since 2007, the Early College Program has helped more than 4,000 students participate in college-level mathematics courses, while 1,650 students have attended programs through the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. The program also received Magna Silver Awards for Equity and Excellence from the National School Boards Association in 2022 and 2025. The district’s return to the NAGC Annual Convention highlights the Early College Program’s continued growth and provides another opportunity to share a model developed in San Luis with educators from across the country.
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