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The GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (SWV) Partnership

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal grant designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in public and private colleges and universities and community colleges immediately after high school.

The US Department of Education provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at middle and high schools where more than 50% of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch.

GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than seventh grade and follow the cohort into high school.

Our partnership grant includes Concord University, New River CTC, community organizations, business partners, and schools in Southern WV (Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties).

The grant is a one-time award, beginning in September 2022 and will continue through August 2029.

GEAR UP provides funding and programming for professional development for teachers and administrators, academic and cultural enrichment for students, and assistance for parents and students in becoming familiar with college options, financial aid, and transition concerns.

National GEAR UP FAQs

What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP is a federal grant designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in public and private colleges and universities and community colleges immediately after high school.

What does GEAR UP aim to accomplish?

GEAR UP is working to encourage students to graduate from high school and continue into college. Research suggests that integrating college access programs early in a student’s education and maintaining them throughout high school boosts student achievement and overall graduation rates.

The GEAR UP objectives are:

Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP student
Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
Increase the number of students who build and exhibit social, emotional, and academic resilience.

For more information on GEAR UP, please refer to the US Department of Education website.

What types of services does GEAR UP offer?

Services are provided in three main areas: student programming, parent education, and professional development for educators. Every attempt is made to tailor the programs offered to the specific needs of local schools as they relate to the objectives listed above.

Where is GEAR UP available?

Our partnership grant includes Concord University, New River CTC, community organizations, business partners, and schools in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties.

GEAR UP SWV Program Goals

GEAR UP SWV is working to encourage students to graduate from high school and continue into college. Research suggests that integrating college access programs early in a student’s education and maintaining them throughout high school boosts student achievement and overall graduation rates.

The GEAR UP SWV objectives are:

Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
Increase the number of students who build and exhibit social, emotional, and academic resilience.