Washington State GEAR UP

GEAR UP’s vision is that all students are academically, socially, and financially prepared to enter and complete the post secondary program or institution of their choice. 

We believe that young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of entering college and completing their degrees. 

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 who are prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education. 

GEAR UP’s three objectives are:

1. Increase academic performance and preparation for post secondary education.
2. Increase high school graduation and post secondary participation rates.
3. Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of post secondary options, preparation, and finances. 

Washington State GEAR UP provides funding and support to 26 high poverty school districts in every geographical region of the state. 

GEAR UP focuses on students from low income and underserved communities, many who may be the first person in their family to graduate from high school or go on to college. GEAR UP services begin in middle school, guiding students and families through the early years of college preparation, including the academic, social, emotional, and financial aspects of preparation. GEAR UP ensures that they have access to the people, resources, and the information needed to graduate from high school and continue their education in the post secondary program or institution of their choice.

We provide access to financial aid resources, but we also teach valuable study skills and provide mentorship opportunities. We believe that personal relationships fuel a student’s desire to go to college and are just as important as academic success.

GEAR UP focuses on preparing students for postsecondary programs by providing:

• 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 has a strong commitment to building the capacity of our school district partners so that they can expand the reach of GEAR UP beyond the eligible student and family population. By providing ongoing, high quality professional development, school staff – from administrators to support personnel –have the knowledge and resources to fully support the aspirations of their students.