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GEAR UP

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a discretionary grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

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Kean University Upward Bound students

About

  • Mission: GEAR UP seeks to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
  • Goals:
  • Increase the academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education for NJ GEAR UP students
  • Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in post-secondary education for NJ GEAR UP students
  • Increase NJ GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation, and financing

The Department awards GEAR UP funding to states and partnerships to provide services to students in high-poverty middle and high schools (defined as serving a population that is greater than 50 percent low-income). GEAR UP grantees serve students beginning no earlier than the seventh grade and follow them through high school with an option to serve students in their first year of college.

What We Offer

  • Classes
  • Campus Activities and Events
  • Tutoring Services
  • Parent Workshops

Projected Outcomes

  • Higher graduation rates
  • Preparation for college
  • Parent engagement, etc.

For additional information regarding the NJ Gear Up program, please contact the program director directly at Kibernar@kean.edu.