GEAR UP
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.
WHAT WE DO >>
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.
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.
As of November 2024, these organizations collectively serve nearly 38,000 students across the state.
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
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 >>
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 12 rural school districts: Aberdeen, Brewster, Elma, Entiat, Lake Chelan, Manson, North Beach, Oakville, Okanogan, Pateros, Rochester, and White Pass.
CAREERS >>
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.
GEAR UP Partnership Grant Positions
Grant 5 School Partner Positions:
- Chelan SD GEAR UP Positions
- Manson SD GEAR UP Positions
- Rochester SD GEAR UP Positions: Ed Assistant-GEAR UP Graduation Specialist
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
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, Program Admin Support, Expenditure Allowability & Documentation
360-485-1205 roxannee@wsac.wa.gov
FEATHER WAGNER - Budget Analyst, GEAR UP & College Access and Support
Contracts, Match, Internal Budget Management/Division Budget Planning, and Tracking
360-485-1994 featherw@wsac.wa.gov