The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness and success of low-income students in communities nationwide.

This discretionary grant program from the U.S. Department of Education provides six- or seven-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services to high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through their first year after high school.

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