A GEAR UP partnership is a locally-designed agreement among colleges and low-income middle schools, plus at least two other partners. These programs are funded through a separate grant offered by the US Department of Education and are not administered by the NJ Commission on Higher Education.

The goal of the partnership is to increase college-going rates among low-income youth. Partner organizations may include: •community organizations •businesses •religious groups •State education agencies •parent groups •non-profit organizations.