About Gear Up
In October 2016, Georgia received its first statewide GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Potential) Grant. On behalf of the Governor’s Office, the University System of Georgia will administer the seven-year, $21-million-dollar grant awarded by US Department of Education.
The statewide project will serve over 12,000 high need students in over 40 schools.
In order to increase postsecondary access and success for students in these high need areas of the state, the project will employ two delivering services and activities models.
First Model
The first model will use a “Cohort Strategy” in those districts with high levels of students who are impoverished, homeless and in foster care. This model will follow 7th and 8th grade students through middle and high school on through their first year of college (Cohort Students).
Second Model
The second model will use a “Priority Strategy” that will target students who have experienced homelessness or have been in the foster care system.
Students in this strategy, in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, will be identified and recruited across five Georgia counties.