Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) began in 1998 with the mission to support early college preparation and awareness activities for low-income students.
This U.S. Department of Education discretionary grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at 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 high school.
GEAR UP North Carolina, the State grantee housed at UNC General Administration, works with over 15,000 students and their families in 20 school districts across North Carolina. Beginning in 7th grade, students are offered early college preparation and awareness services such as academic tutoring, college visits, financial aid workshops, and mentoring to prepare them to enter and succeed in college.
This U.S. Department of Education discretionary grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at 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 high school.
GEAR UP North Carolina, the State grantee housed at UNC General Administration, works with over 15,000 students and their families in 20 school districts across North Carolina. Beginning in 7th grade, students are offered early college preparation and awareness services such as academic tutoring, college visits, financial aid workshops, and mentoring to prepare them to enter and succeed in college.