Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal program that provides competitive six- and seven-year grants to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to succeed in education and careers after high school.
The program's three objectives are:
- Increase academic performance and preparation for education beyond high school.
- Increase high school graduation and post-high school education rates.
- Increase students’ and families’ knowledge of post-high school pathways, preparation, and finances.
The Department of Education provides two kinds of grants to support college and career readiness: state grants through the Washington Student Achievement Council, and partnership grants from Washington State University and the University of Washington. These grants engage over 32,000 students In Washington.
In 2024, WSAC received a $35 million grant to help around 6,800 students annually from 7th grade through their first year after graduation. The program collaborates with 12 rural school districts to provide a range of support services. This includes tutoring, mentoring, and financial aid guidance.
Benefits & results
Benefits to students & families
Benefits to students & families
To help students enroll in and succeed in post-high school pathways like college and career training programs, they will receive support, including tutoring, job shadowing, mentoring, academic advising, financial aid guidance, dual-enrollment options, and career exploration activities.
- Partner school districts receive funding to hire additional staff to serve as college access professionals, tutors, mentors, and other program support staff who provide direct services to students and families.
- Students have access to extended day programs for tutoring, mentoring, and advising.
- Students and their families have multiple opportunities to visit job sites, vocational programs, 2-year and 4-year schools to learn about admissions, academic programs, and financial aid options, attend student workshops, and participate in summer campus experiences.
Program results
Program results
The 2017-2024 Washington GEAR UP project made strong progress, showed clear results, and worked well with many partners.
- Students who joined college visits, dual enrollment, or financial advising were more likely to enroll in college. Families involved in GEAR UP also experienced higher postsecondary enrollment rates.
- The class of 2023 had higher FAFSA completion rates than state and national averages.
- Educators saw better alignment between high school and college, and said GEAR UP helped students plan for college.
Learn more about GEAR UP at gearup.wa.gov.