GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)

Program Type: U.S. Department of Education federal grant program

Geographic Scope: 9 high schools in 5 Far Northern California counties

Focus Areas:

• Increasing college readiness for low-income middle and high school students
• Supporting students to earn high school diploma
• Helping students enroll in college

Program Overview

Federal grant program designed to increase the number of low-income middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Simpson GEAR UP, working under the U.S. Department of Education, provides students at 9 high schools in 5 Far Northern California counties the support, services, and interventions needed to earn a high school diploma and enroll into college.

Target Audience

• Low-income middle and high school students
• First-generation college-bound students
• Students in Far Northern California region