WSU GEAR UP
WSU Davis Campus
2750 N. University Park Blvd. Layton, Utah 84041-0152
Building D2 Suite 308
Campus Mail Code: 0152
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
801-395-3547 | 
stategearup@weber.edu
Office Staff
Davis & Weber School District GEAR UP
College Access Advisors
College Access Advisors in GEAR UP provide junior high and high school participating students and families with services such as individualized advising & mentoring support, and other GEAR UP activities related to academic success, life skill development, and readiness.
Emily Romo-Hendrix
College Access Advisor
Call/Text: 801-784-8647
emilyromohendrix@weber.edu
Schools: Northridge HS, WSU
- Create a free Zoom account for online tutoring (appointment required)
- Remind.com or Remind App
- Parent class code: @gearupnhs
- 10th grade class code: @nhsgear10
- 11th grade class code: @nhsgear11
- 12th grade class code: @gugrade12
Janette Velasco
Lead Mentor/Advisor
janettevelasco@weber.edu
Schools: South Ogden JHS
Note: At this time, South Ogden JHS students and parents may contact Esthela Rojas for assistance.
Esthela Rojas
College Access Advisor
mariarojas2@weber.edu or es_rojas@wsd.net
Schools: Bonneville HS, TH Bell JHS
Kimberly Robinson
College Access Advisor
Call/Text: 385-350-0681
kimberlyrobinson1@weber.edu
Schools: Syracuse HS, Syracuse JHS
- Create a free Zoom account for online tutoring (appointment required)
- Remind.com or Remind App
- 10th grade class code: @shsgrade10
- 11th grade class code: @shsgrade11
- 12th grade class code: @shsgrade12
- Syracuse HS Parent class code: @gearshs
Mackenzie Glover
College Access Advisor
Call/Text: 801-675-8306
mackenzieglover@weber.edu
Schools: North Layton JHS, Sunset JHS
- Create a free Zoom account for online tutoring (appointment required)
- Remind.com or Remind App
- NLJH Student Class Code: @nljhstu
- NLJH Parents Class Code: @nljhpar
- Sunset Students Class Code: @sunsetstu
- Sunset Parents Class Code: @sunsetprnt
Melanie Heiner
College Access Advisor
Call/Text: 970-829-8897
Schools: Syracuse JHS
- Create a free Zoom account for online tutoring (appointment required)
- Remind.com or Remind App
- 7th grade class code: @grade7sy
- 8th grade class code: @sjhsgrade
- 9th grade class code: @sjhsgrade9
- SJH Parent class code: @jrhigh789
Student Advocates
Student Advocates in GEAR UP are current Weber State University students who assist College Access Advisors with student recruitment, outreach and student success initiatives in their assigned school(s), and aim to help GEAR UP students succeed academically. They occasionally help plan and implement GEAR UP workshops, and provide near-peer tutoring and mentoring support. Student Advocates are often also GEAR UP Alumni.
For tutoring support:
Student Advocates are also effective tutors and are willing to assist students in developing their academic knowledge and skill sets. During the COVID-19 school closures, they are available to provide virtual academic support to any of our students enrolled in GEAR UP. To schedule an appointment, simply contact them or your advisor directly, or click below to see their availability and schedule a tutor session. Please
Gerardo Cortez
Lead Student Advocate
Email: gerardocortez@weber.edu
High School Attended: Skyline HS (Idaho)
Major in College: Exercise Science
About Gerardo:
"I am a first generation Latino student. I come from the state that’s pretty much only known for potatoes, Idaho. Because of this, I’ve worked on a potato farm for most of my life. I am majoring in exercise science at Weber state with the hopes of becoming a physical therapist. A couple hobbies that I enjoy include working on cars (or potato trucks), listening to music, and fishing."
Marcos Villegas
Student Advocate
Email: marcosvillegas@weber.edu
High School Attended: Clearfield HS
Major in College: Business Administration
About Marcos:
"I am a first generation Latino student, and currently a sophomore at WSU. My major is in Business Administration. I’m also on the leadership team for Davis Dreamers (DACA recipient organization/group). Fun fact, I was apart of GEAR UP in high school. I remember winning an iPad from a contest! My hobbies include the outdoors; you’ll catch me hiking, kayaking, or playing ball."
Princess Castro
Student Advocate
Call/Text (Google Voice): 385-244-0278
Email: pcastro@weber.edu
High School Attended: Northridge HS
Major in College: Health Sciences
Available for tutoring (call/text/email to schedule a session):
- M & W - 10:00am - 2:30pm
- T & Th - 10:00am - 3:00pm
About Princess:
“I am a first generation Filipino student & currently attending WSU as a sophomore. My major is Health Sciences, but currently looking into Social Work. I hope to one day travel the world and help people in need of education, healthcare, basic needs, etc. I love to sing, dance, and be with the people that I love.”