The Department of Education provides two types of GEAR UP grants: state grants and partnership grants. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers the state grant, while Washington State University and the University of Washington manage nine partnership grants. As of November 2024, these organizations collectively serve nearly 38,000 students across the state.

In the fall of 2024, the U.S. Department of Education awarded WSAC's Washington State GEAR UP program its fifth grant. This $35 million grant will provide $5 million annually for seven years. Washington State is required to match each dollar awarded with an equal contribution. Since 2007, WSAC has committed $1 million annually, which covers 20% of the required annual match.

WSAC's state program will support approximately 6,800 students each year, from 7th grade through their first year of postsecondary education, with eligible students receiving up to $800 scholarships.