GEAR UP

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Who are we?

GEAR UP’s vision is that all students are academically, socially, and financially prepared to enter and complete their chosen postsecondary program or institution.

Young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of pursuing education beyond high school and completing a credential.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive federal program that provides six- and seven-year grants to education/community partnerships and states to increase the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. 

Established in 1999, Washington State GEAR UP has been operating for 25 years and has served approximately 6,000 students each year since 2011.

GEAR UP’S THREE OBJECTIVES ARE:

1 Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education.

2 Increase high school graduation and postsecondary participation rates.

3 Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and finances.

WHAT WE DO >>

Students working together.

In fall 2024, the U.S. Department of Education awarded WSAC's Washington State GEAR UP program a $35 million grant, ensuring $5 million annually for seven years. Washington must match each dollar awarded with an equal contribution. Since 2007, WSAC has provided $1 million annually, covering 20% of the match. 

The program will support approximately 6,800 students each year from 7th grade through their first year of postsecondary education, with eligible students receiving scholarships of up to $800. Combined with seven partner programs, GEAR UP will serve nearly 32,000 students statewide.

GEAR UP ensures they have access to the people, resources, and information needed to graduate from high school and continue their education in the postsecondary program or institution they choose.

WHAT GEAR UP PROVIDES

  • Tutoring and homework assistance
  • Comprehensive mentoring
  • Counseling and advising
  • College and career exploration
  • Financial literacy, financial aid, and scholarship information
  • Summer programs
  • College and career tours and field trips
  • Family events
  • College application support
  • Test preparation and study skills
IMPACT
CASE STUDY VIDEOS
NATIONAL GEAR UP WEEK
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Washington State GEAR UP is dedicated to building the capacity of our school district partners. We believe that by empowering our partners, they can extend GEAR UP's reach beyond the eligible student and family population. Through ongoing, high-quality professional development, we equip school staff—from administrators to support personnel—with the knowledge and resources to fully support their students' aspirations, making them an integral part of our success story.

PARTNERS >>

Team photo with hands in the middle.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Washington State GEAR UP is a partnership of the Governor’s Office and the Washington Student Achievement Council. We have enlisted the support of strategic partners:

SCHOOL PARTNERS

Washington State GEAR UP will administer the grant in partnership with 13 rural school districts: Aberdeen, Brewster, Elma, Entiat, Lake Chelan, Manson, Mossyrock, North Beach, Oakville, Okanogan, Pateros, Rochester, and White Pass.

CAREERS >>

Person with braids talking to another person with long hair.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) strives to be an employer of choice. State employment provides a secure and fulfilling career in public service. Employees enjoy excellent health benefits, generous leave policies, and secure retirement options. Our agency offers tuition assistance and an active employee wellness program.

VIEW CURRENT OPENINGS
WSAC is committed to excellence through diversity. Women, veterans, people of color, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity. WSAC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact us if accommodations are needed for the application process.

STAFF >>

GEAR UP STAFF

The GEAR UP staff at the Washington Student Achievement Council serve 13 school districts around Washington.

MARCIE MILLS - Director, Washington State GEAR UP

Program Leadership, Oversight, Planning, & Evaluation

360-485-1065 marciem@wsac.wa.gov
TBD - Associate Director, Washington State GEAR UP

Lead Liaison for School Partnerships, Program Implementation

TBD
TBD - Associate Director, Washington State GEAR UP

Lead Liaison for Capacity Building

TBD
KELLY KEENEY - Program Manager, GEAR UP

Event Planning Logistics, WSAC Portal Assistance, Data Collection & Reporting Compliance

360-485-1200 kellyk@wsac.wa.gov
ANNIE POCKLINGTON, ED.D. - Assistant Director, GEAR UP

Summer Camp Lead, Postsecondary Partnership Development, and Grad Services Transition Program.

360-485-1064 anniep@wsac.wa.gov
BETH KELLY - Assistant Director, GEAR UP & College Access and Support

gearup.wa.gov Website Management, Weekly Bulletin, Scholarship Listings, and Resource Development

360-485-1065 bethk@wsac.wa.gov
ROXANNE ENCHEFF - Fiscal and Administrative Specialist, GEAR UP

A19 Reimbursement Process and Match, Expenditure Allowability & Documentation

360-485-1205 roxannee@wsac.wa.gov
FEATHER WAGNER - Budget Analyst, GEAR UP & College Access and Support

Contracts, Internal Budget Management/Division Budget Planning, and Tracking

360-485-1994 featherw@wsac.wa.gov

Testimonial

Every student needs someone who says, simply ‘You mean something. You count.

Tony Kushner, American Playwright
Testimonial