The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive federal grant initiative aimed at increasing college and career readiness for low-income students across the United States. This program is designed to empower local partnerships composed of K-12 schools, higher education institutions, state agencies, and community organizations. The core focus of the initiative lies in raising educational expectations, improving academic performance, and enhancing access to postsecondary opportunities for underserved students.
GEAR UP TN is the Tennessee-specific implementation of this federal program and is administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The current grant cycle spans from 2024 to 2031 and includes a seven-year funding plan. The initiative is managed by THEC’s College Access and Outreach Division, which also oversees various other college access programs. Under this grant, six counties across Tennessee receive targeted services to support students, educators, and families in navigating the pathway to college.
The primary objectives of GEAR UP TN include improving academic achievement, high school graduation rates, and performance on college entrance exams. Additionally, the program aims to boost student participation in postsecondary education, enhance knowledge of financial aid, and foster greater parental and community engagement. Educator development is also a key focus, with an emphasis on increasing content-area knowledge and understanding among teachers.
GEAR UP TN specifically targets students in high-poverty, under-resourced areas, with participating schools reporting over 50% of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch and college-going rates below the state average. The program currently serves more than 9,000 students each year. Services are directed toward a cohort of 7th-grade students, with expansion to include high school seniors and an additional 7th-grade cohort beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year.
To implement the grant effectively, each of the 28 participating middle and high school sites employs one or two full-time site coordinators who are dedicated to the day-to-day operations and strategic objectives of the program. These coordinators play a pivotal role in coordinating resources, organizing outreach activities, and ensuring fidelity to the grant’s goals.
For additional resources or inquiries about the program, individuals are encouraged to connect through the official channels provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
