Our Mission

GEAR UP Washington

GEAR UP’s vision is that all students are academically, socially, and financially prepared to enter and complete the postsecondary program or institution of their choice. We believe that young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of entering college and completing their degrees.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive federal program that provides six- and seven-year grants to education/community partnerships and states to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

About UW GEAR UP

Program Highlights

These seven-year grants from the U.S. Department of Education, will bring in over $70-million dollars and serve over 14,000 students (2023-2031). We start working with students and their families in 6th and 7th grade, follow them through high school graduation, and into their first year of college!

Benefits and Services

1. Robotics
2. Career Exploration
3. Training for Staff
4. Classroom technology and supplies
5. Campus visits
6. Learning how to pay for college
7. Tutoring Summer Programs

…and so much more!

Program History

The UW GEAR UP Partnership grant has been around since the 1990’s.

• 2017 GEAR UP RISE UP: in Fall of 2017 the University of Washington’s OMA&D was awarded a 7-year GEAR UP partnership grant to work with 13 school districts in four counties in Washington State.
• 2018 GEAR UP RISE UP: in Fall of 2018 the University of Washington’s OMA&D was awarded a 7-year GEAR UP partnership grant to work with 13 school districts in four counties in Washington State.
• 2023 GEAR UP RISE UP: in Fall of 2023 the University of Washington’s OMA&D was awarded a 7-year GEAR UP partnership grant to work with 14 school districts in four counties in Washington State. This grant is serving the class of 2030 for a total of 5,979 students across Washington State.