GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. We are a partnership of the Washington Student Achievement Council, Office of the Governor, the University of Washington, College Success Foundation, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Employee Credit Union, and a number of national, state and local organizations. GEAR UP focuses on students from low income and underserved communities who will likely be the first person in their family to go to college. We start working with young people in middle school, guiding them through the early years of college preparation. GEAR UP programs ensure that they have access to the people and the information needed to graduate from high school and go to college. We provide access to financial aid resources, but we also teach valuable study skills and provide mentorship opportunities.

6,000

Washington Student Achievement Council, Office of the Governor, the University of Washington, Colleg