GEAR UP: Who Qualifies and What You Get

GEAR UP is a federal program designed to help students navigate the academic journey from middle and high school toward higher education goals.

👤Who it's for

This program is specifically designed to support students in middle and high school who come from low-income households. The goal is to provide extra resources to students who may need additional academic or guidance support to successfully transition into a college environment.

🎁What you get

Participants in the program can access a range of academic and personal development services. These include tutoring to help with school subjects, mentoring to provide guidance, and various college preparation services to help students understand the steps required to enter higher education. These services are intended to bridge the gap between K-12 schooling and long-term college success.

💰What it costs you

There is no direct cost to the families or students to participate in these services. The program is managed through school-based partnerships, meaning the support is integrated into the student's existing educational environment rather than being a separate service that requires a private fee.

⚠️The catch to know

The most important thing to understand is that availability is not universal. Because the program is implemented through partnerships with local school districts, the services are only available if your specific local school district chooses to participate and host the program. If your district is not a participant, you will not be able to access these specific services through this scheme.

📝How to apply

1. Contact your local school's guidance counselor or administrative office to ask if GEAR UP is available in your district.
2. Inquire about the specific enrollment steps required by your school to join the program.
3. Ask your school about how to access the tutoring, mentoring, and college preparation services once enrolled.