GEAR UP helps low-income high school students prepare for college through tutoring, mentoring, and college planning

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal grant program that funds colleges and schools to work together. The program targets students in middle and high school who would be the first in their family to attend college or who come from low-income households. GEAR UP provides tutoring, college counseling, test preparation, and mentoring — all at no cost to students.

The program operates in all 50 states through partnerships between universities and school districts. A GEAR UP grant goes to a college or university, which then partners with one or more schools to serve a group of students from sixth or seventh grade through high school graduation. Students in a GEAR UP school receive services throughout their time in the program, not just once or twice.

GEAR UP is not a scholarship or direct financial aid for college. It is a preparation program. The goal is to increase the number of low-income and first-generation students who finish high school ready for college-level work and who actually enroll in college.

Key Takeaways

  • GEAR UP is free and available to students at participating schools — you do not explore separately to the program itself.
  • Services include tutoring, college counseling, SAT or ACT prep, and mentoring from college students or professionals.
  • The program targets first-generation college students and students from low-income families, but may be able to access rules vary by school and state.
  • GEAR UP follows a cohort of students over multiple years, so you receive support from middle school or early high school through graduation.
  • Your school's GEAR UP office can tell you whether your school participates and how to connect with the program.

How to learn about your school has GEAR UP

GEAR UP operates at specific schools, not across all schools in a state. To find out whether your school participates, ask your school counselor or contact your school's main office and ask if there is a GEAR UP coordinator or GEAR UP office on campus.

You can also search the federal GEAR UP website, which lists participating schools and universities by state. The U.S. Department of Education maintains this list, and it is updated regularly. If your school does not show up in the search, it does not currently have a GEAR UP grant.

If your school does not participate, ask your counselor about other college preparation programs at your school or in your district. Many schools offer similar services through other funding sources.

What services GEAR UP provides

The specific services vary by school and by the grant that funds the program, but most GEAR UP programs include tutoring in core subjects like math, English, science, and social studies. Tutoring is usually one-on-one or in small groups and happens during school or after school.

College counseling is another core service. A GEAR UP counselor helps you explore colleges, understand admission requirements, complete applications, and plan your course schedule to prepare for college-level work. This counseling often starts in middle school and continues through senior year.

Test preparation for the SAT or ACT is common in GEAR UP programs. Some programs offer test prep classes, others provide study materials, and some pay for test fees so cost is not a barrier. Mentoring from college students, recent graduates, or professionals in your field of interest is also typical. Mentors help you think about career goals and navigate the transition to college.

Some GEAR UP programs also cover field trips to college campuses, college process fee waivers, and help with financial aid forms like the FAFSA (Free process for Federal Student Aid).

Who can participate in GEAR UP

GEAR UP targets students who are first-generation college students (neither parent attended a four-year college) or who come from low-income families. The exact income threshold and other may be able to access rules depend on the specific grant and the school. Your school's GEAR UP office will tell you the requirements for your program.

Some GEAR UP programs serve all students at a school, while others serve a specific cohort — for example, all seventh graders in a particular year. If your school has GEAR UP, the program staff will explain how students are selected or whether all students can participate.

You do not fill out a separate process to join GEAR UP at your school. If your school participates and you meet the criteria, you are usually invited to join or can ask to join through your school counselor.

How GEAR UP follows you through high school

GEAR UP is designed as a multi-year program, not a one-time service. When a university receives a GEAR UP grant, it commits to serving a cohort of students — often starting in sixth or seventh grade — through high school graduation. This means the same students receive support and build relationships with counselors and mentors over several years.

In middle school, GEAR UP focuses on building academic skills, exploring interests, and introducing the idea of college. In high school, the focus shifts to course selection, test preparation, college search, applications, and financial aid. By senior year, GEAR UP counselors help you finalize your college choice and prepare for the transition.

This long-term approach is one of the strengths of GEAR UP. You are not starting from scratch each year; your counselor and mentors know your history, your goals, and your challenges.

What happens after high school

GEAR UP's main goal is to get you into college, but the program does not provide scholarships or pay for college tuition. However, GEAR UP counselors help you understand financial aid options, complete the FAFSA, and search for scholarships you may be able to use.

Some GEAR UP programs include a scholarship component funded by the grant itself, but this varies. Ask your GEAR UP office whether scholarships are available through your program.

After you enroll in college, GEAR UP's role typically ends. However, the relationships you build and the skills you develop — study habits, time management, how to ask for help — carry forward. Some universities that run GEAR UP grants also offer support services to GEAR UP alumni once they are enrolled, but this is not may provide.

How GEAR UP differs from other college prep programs

Many schools offer college counseling, tutoring, and test prep through their regular budget or through other grants. GEAR UP is different because it is federally funded, targets a specific population (first-generation and low-income students), and is designed to serve students over multiple years rather than one year at a time.

Some schools also participate in programs like Upward Bound, which is similar to GEAR UP but often includes a summer residential component. Others may have partnerships with local colleges or nonprofits that provide college prep services. Your school counselor can explain which programs are available at your school and how they differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be poor to join GEAR UP?

GEAR UP targets low-income students and first-generation college students, but the exact income threshold varies by program. Some GEAR UP programs serve all students at a school regardless of income. Ask your school's GEAR UP office about the specific criteria for your program.

What if my school does not have GEAR UP?

Ask your school counselor about other college preparation programs, tutoring services, or partnerships with local colleges. Many schools offer similar support through different funding sources. Your counselor can also help you find resources outside school, such as nonprofit organizations that offer free college prep services.

Does GEAR UP pay for college?

GEAR UP does not pay tuition or provide scholarships in most cases. It prepares you for college and helps you understand financial aid options. Some GEAR UP programs do include scholarships, so ask your program office. After you are accepted to college, you will need to use federal student loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial aid to pay for school.

Can I join GEAR UP in high school if I did not participate in middle school?

This depends on your program. Some GEAR UP grants serve students from middle school through high school as a cohort, so joining late may not be possible. Others allow students to join in high school. Contact your school's GEAR UP office to ask whether you can join now.

What if I do not want to go to a four-year college?

GEAR UP counselors can help you explore all post-secondary options, including community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships. While GEAR UP's name mentions undergraduate programs, many programs support students in exploring different paths after high school. Talk to your GEAR UP counselor about your interests and goals.