What is GEAR UP?
GEAR UP is an acronym:
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
GEAR UP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and helps students prepare for and succeed in education beyond high school.
NCCEP (National Council for Community and Education Partnerships) is the national association for GEAR UP and is dedicated to helping more students access and succeed in higher education.
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to build the capacity of communities to ensure that underserved students have the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to successfully pursue the education and training that will enable them to achieve their career and life goals. GEAR UP works towards a future where all students are empowered and equipped with the education and training needed to succeed in a diverse and global society.
OUR HISTORY
Established in 1999 by the Ford and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, our founding mandate was to strengthen the pathway for college for underserved students through systematic partnerships between K-12 districts, colleges and universities, businesses and employers, community-based organizations, and government at all levels.
Our founding coincided with the creation of the federally-funded
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, GEAR UP program, and began working with the U.S. Department of Education to provide professional development for the GEAR UP community. Since then, the program has flourished nationally, and our professional development events have grown from a few hundred participants to over 3,000 people per year.
This year we celebrate 25 years of GEAR UP!
Pathways to the Future Objectives:
OBJECTIVE 1
Academic Preparedness for Post Secondary
- 5% and 6% increase of students passing the state standard test in Math and Reading (STAAR).
- 7% increase of students enrolled in and receiving credit from AP or Early College/Dual Enrollment courses.
- 80% of students will pass Algebra 1, 9th Grade
- 85% of teachers trained will report improvement in teaching.
OBJECTIVE 2
Increase Graduation Rates for Post Secondary
- 95% of students will be promoted to the next grade level
- 90% of students will complete the SAT & ACT by 11th grade
- 90% of students will graduate from high school
- 78% of students will meet Reading Readiness
- 75% of students will meet Math Readiness
- 70% of students will meet Military Readiness
OBJECTIVE 3
Increase Student/Parent College Knowledge
- 100% of students will complete Federal Student Aide before the end of 12th grade
- 80% of GEAR UP and former GEAR UP students will enroll at an IHE
- 70% of GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students will persist to the second year of post secondary education
OBJECTIVE 4
Increase student/parent competencies, aptitudes of career, college pathways options
- 50% of students will earn certification or credentials and increase work-based learning skills
- 70% of students will master key prerequisites, increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- 65% of students will engage in STEM, technology, AP, dual-enrollment, and remote online coursework (including rural areas)
- 70% of students will increase awareness, knowledge, and services available regarding mental health, crisis intervention, tutoring, etc. to ensure high graduation and enrollment in an IHE.